Augustus John (1878–1961) was a celebrated Welsh artist renowned for his mastery of portraiture and his influential role in the British art world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During his time at the Slade School of Art, John was deeply influenced by the work of Old Masters such as Rembrandt and Velázquez, as well as contemporary artists like James McNeill Whistler and Édouard Manet.
John's early paintings and drawings were characterised by their loose brushwork, rich colours, and emotive intensity, capturing the essence of his subjects with a remarkable depth and sensitivity. He was particularly drawn to portraiture, and his portraits of friends, family members, and fellow artists are celebrated for their psychological insight and their ability to convey the personality and character of the sitter.
In addition to his work as a painter, John was also an accomplished draftsman and printmaker, producing a wide range of drawings, etchings, and lithographs throughout his career. He was known for his skillful use of line and his ability to capture movement and gesture with a remarkable economy of means.