Edward Wadsworth
1 of 2 portraits of Edward Wadsworth







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Edward Wadsworth
by Edward Wadsworth
tempera on board, 1937
12 5/8 in. x 9 1/2 in. (321 mm x 241 mm)
Purchased, 2004
Primary Collection
NPG 6682
Sitterback to top
- Edward Alexander Wadsworth (1889-1949), Painter and naval intelligence officer. Sitter in 3 portraits, Artist or producer of 1 portrait.
Artistback to top
- Edward Alexander Wadsworth (1889-1949), Painter and naval intelligence officer. Artist or producer of 1 portrait, Sitter in 3 portraits.
This portraitback to top
Wadsworth is better known as a landscape, seascape and still life painter and this is one of only three self-portraits. It is painted in egg tempera on gesso panel, a medium that is very typical of this period in his career. Wadsworth was a technical perfectionist who was fascinated by historical painting techniques. He collaborated with the artist Giorgio de Chirico in the revival of tempera and his experiments with it form a significant part of his reputation.
Events of 1937back to top
Current affairs
George VI becomes king. The younger brother of Edward VIII was crowned on the 12th May and the coronation was broadcast to Britain and the Empire on the radio. Edward becomes the Duke of Windsor, although the rank of 'Royal Highness' is not extended to Wallis Simpson.Neville Chamberlain becomes Prime Minister following Baldwin's retirement.
Art and science
Roland Penrose organises a tour of Picasso's painting Guernica to the UK. The painting, which shows the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, went on display at the Whitechapel Art Gallery in East LondonInternational
Commercial airship travel is brought to an end with the 'Hindenberg Disaster'. The German airship exploded while landing in New Jersey. The radio broadcaster Herbert Morrison's reaction has become legendary: 'Oh, the humanity!'Japan invades China, killing about 25,000. Japanese Troops committed numerous atrocities against soldiers and civilians in what became known as the 'Rape of Nanking'.
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