'The Jester (W. Somerset Maugham)', Sir Gerald Kelly

Sorry, copyright restrictions prevent us from showing this artwork here

Artwork details

Artist

Sir Gerald Kelly (1879‑1972)

Title

The Jester (W. Somerset Maugham)

Date 1911

MediumOil paint on canvas

Dimensionssupport: 1016 x 762 mm

Collection

Tate

Acquisition Presented by the Trustees of the Chantrey Bequest 1933

Reference

N04703

Not on display

Display caption

Somerset Maugham was enjoying his first success as a dramatist when his friend Kelly painted this costume portrait. It was not a commission, but was painted for exhibition and sale, with the reputation of Maugham as a bonus. Kelly had just taken smart rooms off Lowndes Square in Belgravia, and chose to emphasise the correct social poise of his sitter, wearing morning dress and grey top hat. The two men were the same age, were both Irish, and had been friends in Paris. Kelly painted Maugham many times through his life, often showing him in character: the title here refers to his famous wit… (read more)

August 2004