Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.8358
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Portrait of Arthur Schuster
Date
1912
Sitter
Arthur Schuster (1851 - 1934, British) , Physicist
Creator
William Orpen (1878 - 1931, British) , painter
Object type
Image reference
Material
Dimensions
height (framed canvas): 1130mm
width (framed canvas): 953mm
width (framed canvas): 953mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Three-quarter length, seated left in wooden armchair, wearing a grey lounge suit and brown-grey waistcoat, possibly pinstriped or pleated. The waistcoat has blue buttons or studs, matching a blue necktie or cravat with gold pin. A gold watch chain is visible. Schuster’s left hand in his pocket, with the right hand holding a lit cigarette by a short holder.
Transcription
SIR ARTHUR SCHUSTER, (1851-1934) Secretary 1912-18. Foreign Secretary 1920-24. by WILLIAM ORPEN. Presented by L.SCHUSTER, November, 1961.
Object history
The presentation of the painting to the Royal Society was first raised in 1949 via Sir Arthur Egerton FRS (1886-1959). The Society’s Officers indicated that the portrait would be accepted, if offered. (see MDA/G3/1). The donation was made later: Royal Society Council heard: “Reported the gift by Mr. Leonard Schuster of a portrait by Sir William Orpen of Sir Arthur Schuster, formerly Secretary (1912-19 and Foreign Secretary (1920-24) of the Society.” (see CMO/20 p.659)
Associated place