Alice Mary Knewstub (later Mrs. Rothenstein) 1897

Sir William Rothenstein made this portrait of Alice Mary Knewstub on paper using graphite. The image suggests an intimate, domestic scene, placing the viewer in close proximity to the sitter. Rothenstein was a prominent figure in British art circles, deeply involved in the institutional structures that shaped artistic production and taste at the turn of the century. In its quiet representation, this work contrasts with the more bombastic and overtly political art of its time. It begs the question, what is the public role of art? Here the politics of imagery are centered on the female figure, her pose and demeanor. It is a timeless image of contemplation, that invites scrutiny of the social conditions of the time. To fully understand this image, one can delve into the artist’s biography and the social milieu in which he operated, exploring the visual codes and cultural references embedded within the portrait.