Is Portrait of Marjorie Gertler under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

What is the thematic context of Portrait of Marjorie Gertler?

post-impressionist influences, jewish east end community, portraiture and still life, personal family subject

Purchase a giclee of Portrait of Marjorie Gertler

Quick Facts

Artist: Mark Gertler
Artistic style: Post-Impressionism and Early Modernism
Notable elements or techniques: Still life treatment of hat and fruit
Subject or theme: Portrait of the artist's wife
Title: Portrait of Marjorie Gertler

Collectible Description

A Vision of Elegance: The Intimacy of Mark Gertler’s Portraiture

In the quiet, evocative realm of early 20th-century British Modernism, few works capture the delicate intersection of personal affection and formal composition as tenderly as Mark Gertler’s Portrait of Marjorie Gertler. This masterpiece serves as more than a mere likeness of the artist’s wife; it is a profound meditation on presence and stillness. Within this frame, Gertler invites us into the intimate orbit of his private life, presenting Marjorie not just as a beloved subject, and but as an anchor of grace amidst the shifting social tides of London. The painting possesses a magnetic quality that draws the viewer into a moment suspended in time, making it an exquisite centerpiece for any collection dedicated to the soulful depth of portraiture.

The composition is a masterful study in balance, where the human form meets the meticulous detail of decorative art. Marjorie sits with a poised, almost statuesque dignity, her figure draped in a soft pink dress that radiates warmth and light. Her yellow hat, adorned with vibrant fruit, serves as a brilliant focal point, bridging the gap between portraiture and the lushness of a still life. This deliberate technique—treating the subject with the tactile richness of an object—creates a fascinating tension. One can almost feel the texture of the pearls around her neck and the weight of the colorful adornments on her head. The presence of subtle figures in the periphery suggests the hum of a social gathering, yet the emotional core of the painting remains intensely focused on the singular, serene essence of the woman at its heart.

Technically, the work showcases Gertler’s ability to manipulate color and light to evoke both physical reality and emotional resonance. His brushwork, influenced by the bold structures of Post-Impressionism, lends a sculptural solidity to Marjorie’s features, while the play of light across her attire provides a sense of movement and life. There is a clever, almost playful intellectualism embedded in the work; the artist includes a cheeky, hidden reference in the top right corner—a secret nod to a part of his subject that remains unseen by the viewer, adding a layer of wit and intimacy that only a true connoisseur would appreciate. This marriage of sophisticated technique and personal storytelling makes the piece an enduring triumph of modern portraiture.

For the discerning collector or interior designer, this reproduction offers more than just visual beauty; it offers a narrative of historical significance and emotional depth. Whether placed in a sunlit gallery or a sophisticated study, the Portrait of Marjorie Gertler brings with it an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. It is a piece that rewards repeated viewing, revealing new nuances of color, light, and character with every glance. To possess this work is to hold a fragment of London’s vibrant artistic heritage, capturing a moment where love, art, and the beauty of the everyday converge in perfect harmony.

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Artist Biography

early life and career

mark gertler, a british painter of figure subjects, portraits, and still-life, was born on december 9, 1891, in spitalfields, london. his early life and relationship with dora carrington were the inspiration for gilbert cannan's novel mendel. gertler's forename was anglicised from "marks" to "mark" in 1896, when his family joined his father in london. gertler showed signs of a great talent for drawing from an early age. he enrolled in art classes at regent street polytechnic in 1906 but was forced to drop out due to poverty. in 1908, he began working as an apprentice at clayton & bell, a stained glass company, while attending evening classes at the polytechnic.

rise to prominence and notable works

gertler's career took off when he was placed third in a national art competition in 1908. he then enrolled at the slade school of art in london, where he became a contemporary of notable artists like paul nash, edward wadsworth, and sir stanley spencer. gertler's patrons included lady ottoline morrell, who introduced him to walter sickert, the leader of the camden town group. his success as a painter of society portraits was short-lived due to his temperamental manner and devotion to advancing his work according to his own vision, leading to personal frustration and poverty.

still life with self portrait, a painting showcasing gertler's unique style, can be found on ArtsDot.
other notable works include the basket of fruit, peaches and green bottle, and violin case and flowers, all of which can be viewed on mark gertler's page on ArtsDot.

legacy and burial

gertler's life was marked by struggles with poverty and unrequited love. he died on june 23, 1939, and was buried at willesden jewish cemetery, where many other notable figures from the london area are interred. explore more of mark gertler's works and life on ArtsDot: mark gertler | 127 artworks discover other artists and their stories on ArtsDot: the greatest artists painters of all time

Mark Gertler

1891 - 1939 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Post-Impressionism, Early Modernism
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Dora Carrington
- Camden Town Group
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Walter Sickert
- Paul Nash
- Edward Wadsworth
Date Of Birth: December 9, 1891
Date Of Death: June 23, 1939
Full Name: Mark Gertler
Nationality: British
Notable Artworks:
- Still Life with Self Portrait
- Basket of Fruit
- Peaches and Green Bottle
- Violin Case and Flowers
Place Of Birth: London, United Kingdom

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