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Walter Greaves

(1846-1930), Painter

Later Victorian Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 2 portraits
Artist of 1 portrait
Greaves was the son of a Chelsea boat builder and waterman. He and his brother Henry became studio assistants for James McNeill Whistler, 1863-5, and were taught by him to paint. In 1911 an exhibition of Greaves's paintings closed after he was accused of passing off unfinished works by Whistler as his own. His reputation ruined, it was not until 1921 that he was rescued from penury by prominent artists, including Augustus John and William Nicholson.

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Walter Greaves, by William Rothenstein - NPG 3179

Walter Greaves

by William Rothenstein
pencil, 1915
NPG 3179

Walter Greaves, by Powys Evans - NPG 4394

Walter Greaves

by Powys Evans
pen, ink and china white, published 1928
NPG 4394

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