Harold Knight

by Harold Knight
oil on canvas, circa 1923
36 in. x 28 in. (914 mm x 711 mm)
Bequeathed by the sitter's widow, Dame Laura Knight, 1970
Primary Collection
NPG 4831

Sitterback to top

Harold Knight (1874-1961), Artist; husband of Dame Laura Knight. Sitter in 4 portraits, Artist or producer of 4 portraits.

Artistback to top

Harold Knight (1874-1961), Artist; husband of Dame Laura Knight. Artist or producer of 4 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.

Linked publicationsback to top

Rideal, Liz, Insights: Self-portraits, 2005, p. 40 Read entry
An elegant, meticulous painter, Harold Knight is depicted in a dun-coloured overcoat, texturally suited to his even, modulated brushwork; only a touch of green and red relieve the monotony. A conscientious objector during the First World War, Knight’s health suffered as a result of working as a farm labourer. The glint of his glasses here suggests his intelligent dogmatism, ever the foil to the perennial exuberance of his wife, Dame Laura Knight. His signature on the stretcher of the canvas behind him in the painting is possibly a light touch in an otherwise serious work.
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 357

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1923back to top

Current affairs

Stanley Baldwin begins the first of three terms of government as Conservative Prime Minister following the resignation of Andrew Bonar Law.

Art and science

Bolton Wanderers beat West Ham United in the first FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. The Cup Final was held at Wembley every year except during the war until 2000.

International

Hitler attempts to take power in Germany with the Munich Beer Hall Putsch. On the 8th November Hitler and the SA stormed a meeting of the ruling 'triumvirs' forcing them to support a march on Berlin. The coup, however, failed and Hitler was arrested and sentences to five years in prison.

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