Self Portrait with Biddy Foster
Download: view IIIF manifest
Description
Handwritten letter on headed paper from William Orpen to Evelyn St. George with two drawings. Orpen discusses Biddy Foster of the Vere Foster Family, mutual friends and traveling around Ireland. Orpen writes on headed paper from the Vere Foster family home (Glyde Court, Ardee, Co. Louth) where he was commissioned to paint a family portrait. Biddy Foster who he talks about is the eldest daughter. He relates that she wishes to be a boy and to be painted in breeches. Orpen sketches a full length portrait of himself and Biddy in pencil wherein he looks upon her with an open mouth and she stands wearing a feathered hat, shirt and breeches. On the reverse of the letter, Orpen sketches himself getting out of bed and putting on trousers in the early morning. This image corresponds to an early start of the day Orpen mentions in the letter. Also includes a reproduction on board of the front of the letter.
Creator
Orpen, Sir William, 1878-1931
Related topics
| Title | Self Portrait with Biddy Foster |
|---|---|
| Creator | Orpen, Sir William, 1878-1931 |
| Date | [1907] |
| Type | Component |
| Ref | IE NGI/IA/ORP1/1/1 |
| Level | Item |
| Language | English |
| Extent | 2 items |
Archive view
IE NGI/IA/ORP1/1/1 This record