Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION
PreviewPreview AR previewAR preview Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Hand Made PaintingBuy Image Buy Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Herbert Henry Asquith (1852–1928), 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith, KG, Scholar (1870), Fellow (1874–1882), Honorary Fellow (1908), Prime Minister (1908–1916)

Captivating portrait of Herbert Henry Asquith by Thomas Cantrell Dugdale (1925), showcasing masterful academic realism; discover this historical piece for your collection.

British painter Thomas Cantrell Dugdale (1880-1952) was a renowned portraitist & war artist. Explore his paintings, textile designs, & service during WWI & WWII.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Hand Made PaintingBuy Image Buy Image)

P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (29 August)

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 63

reproduction

Herbert Henry Asquith (1852–1928), 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith, KG, Scholar (1870), Fellow (1874–1882), Honorary Fellow (1908), Prime Minister (1908–1916)

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 63

Quick Facts

  • Dimensions: 89 x 73 cm
  • Artistic style: Portraiture
  • Subject or theme: Politician/Statesman Portrait
  • Title: Herbert Henry Asquith
  • Artist: Thomas Cantrell Dugdale

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
Who is the primary subject depicted in the painting?
Question 2:
What is the approximate date of this artwork's creation?
Question 3:
Which artist is credited with painting this portrait?
Question 4:
Based on the description, what formal element suggests the subject's profession?
Question 5:
What artistic influence is noted as having shaped the artist's sensibilities?

A Portrait in Statesmanship: Capturing the Aura of Power

This evocative painting presents a compelling study of Herbert Henry Asquith, the distinguished statesman who served as Prime Minister during a pivotal era of British history. The subject is captured with an air of quiet authority; he sits composedly, his hands clasped in a gesture that speaks volumes of deliberation and weighty thought. Dressed formally, complete with a tie that anchors his dignified presence, Asquith seems less like a mere portrait subject and more like the embodiment of institutional gravity. The artist, Thomas Cantrell Dugdale, has managed to transcend simple likeness, offering instead an immersion into the very atmosphere surrounding political power—a blend of intellectual rigor and lived experience.

Technique and Compositional Depth

Dugdale’s handling of paint suggests a mastery that bridges academic portraiture with the looser brushwork influenced by Impressionism, as seen in his broader artistic development. The rendering of Asquith himself is meticulous, allowing the viewer to appreciate the subtle textures of his clothing and the thoughtful gaze behind his spectacles. Yet, the composition refuses to be static. Beyond the central figure, the inclusion of other partially visible individuals—one near the top left and another at the bottom right—suggests a larger narrative unfolding just outside the frame. These peripheral figures, along with the empty chair and the discarded tie, act as subtle compositional anchors, hinting at conversations concluded or decisions yet to be made, lending the piece an almost cinematic quality.

Historical Resonance and Symbolism

Painted in 1925, this work exists in a fascinating temporal space. It memorializes a man whose career spanned some of the most tumultuous decades of the early twentieth century. The symbolism inherent in the setting—the formal attire, the weighty chair—speaks to the enduring weight of public duty. The clasped hands are not merely resting; they symbolize consensus, negotiation, and the careful balancing act required of leadership. For the collector or designer, this piece offers more than just decoration; it serves as a visual meditation on legacy, service, and the quiet moments that define monumental historical figures.

An Emotional Connection for the Modern Space

To bring this painting into a contemporary interior is to infuse a space with intellectual depth. It possesses a gravitas that complements libraries, formal studies, or drawing rooms designed for contemplation. The rich tones and the palpable sense of history invite viewers to pause, to consider the narratives embedded within the brushstrokes. Dugdale’s ability to capture not just what a man looked like, but what he represented—the enduring spirit of service—makes this reproduction a profound statement piece, connecting the viewer directly to the echoes of significant moments in British history.


Artist Biography

Thomas Cantrell Dugdale: A Life Dedicated to Art and Service

Thomas Cantrell Dugdale (1880-1952) stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of British art – blending meticulous observation with expressive brushstrokes, underpinned by a profound commitment to both artistic excellence and civic duty. Born in Blackburn, Lancashire, Dugdale’s early life instilled within him a passion for visual representation that would define his entire career trajectory. His formative years at Manchester Grammar School provided a foundation for intellectual curiosity, followed by studies at the Manchester School of Art before embarking on a broader artistic education at the Royal College of Art and the City Guilds of London Art School – experiences that cultivated his technical skills and exposed him to diverse artistic traditions, notably Parisian Impressionism.
  • Early Influences & Artistic Style: Dugdale’s artistic sensibilities were profoundly shaped by Impressionist masters like Claude Monet and Pierre Auguste Renoir, whose techniques of capturing fleeting moments of light and color resonated deeply within his own approach to painting. He favored a bold palette and textured brushwork—particularly impasto—creating canvases that pulsed with vitality and conveying an immediacy rarely found in academic art.
  • Royal Academy Recognition & Portraiture: Dugdale’s debut at the Royal Academy in 1901 marked a pivotal moment, establishing him as a respected figure within the British artistic landscape. He swiftly gained renown for his portrait commissions, capturing the likenesses of prominent individuals—politicians, businessmen, and artists alike—with remarkable sensitivity and psychological insight. His portraits are characterized by their careful attention to detail and their ability to convey not only physical appearance but also inner character.

Military Service & Artistic Engagement During Wartime

Dugdale’s artistic pursuits were inextricably linked with his military service, beginning in 1910 when he enlisted in the British Army and served as a Staff Sergeant in the Middlesex Yeomanry during World War I. This experience honed his observational skills and instilled within him a deep understanding of human resilience under pressure—themes that would permeate his artwork throughout the conflict. Notably, four paintings produced during his wartime service were acquired by the British War Memorials Committee, demonstrating his dedication to commemorating historical events through visual art. His involvement extended beyond mere artistic creation; he actively organized a Home Guard unit in Suffolk during World War II, embodying the spirit of civic responsibility alongside his creative endeavors.
  • War Artist Commissions: Dugdale’s wartime commissions from the War Artists Advisory Committee focused on portraying Merchant Seamen and RAF Pilots—subjects that demanded both technical precision and empathetic portrayal. These paintings offer invaluable glimpses into the lives of ordinary Britons during extraordinary times, reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of a nation facing adversity.
  • Beyond Painting: Textile Design & Illustration: Dugdale’s artistic versatility extended beyond easel painting; he excelled as a textile designer for Tootal Broadhurst Lee for twenty years, crafting decorative fabrics that blended aesthetic beauty with functional considerations. Furthermore, he undertook illustration work, contributing to books and publications—demonstrating his ability to adapt his artistic skills to diverse mediums.

Legacy & Historical Significance

Thomas Cantrell Dugdale’s contribution to British art is undeniable. His unwavering dedication to capturing the human spirit through portraiture and his engagement with historical events—particularly during wartime—solidified his place as a significant figure in 20th-century artistic history. His paintings continue to resonate today, offering insights into the social and cultural milieu of his time while upholding enduring principles of artistic excellence and humanist compassion. Dugdale’s work serves as an inspiring reminder that creativity can flourish alongside civic duty—a legacy worthy of remembrance.
Thomas Cantrell Dugdale

Thomas Cantrell Dugdale

1880 - 1952 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Impressionism
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Claude Monet
    • Pierre Auguste Renoir
  • Date Of Birth: 1880 Blackburn UK
  • Date Of Death: 1952
  • Full Name: Thomas Cantrell Dugdale
  • Nationality: British
  • Notable Artworks:
    • A Boy
    • Lieutenant Colonel Harry Whitehill, DSO, Wearing the Uniform of His Former Regiment, the City of London Yeomanry (Roughriders)
    • Princess Margaret (1947–2002), Colonel in Chief
  • Place Of Birth: Blackburn Lancashire UK
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.