Leonard A. Scott Stokes, PRIBA, RGM 1912

This portrait of Leonard A. Scott Stokes, PRIBA, RGM, was painted by William Orpen, sometime in the early 20th century. The painting style makes me think about the push and pull between representation and the artist's own touch. I imagine Orpen, squinting, trying to capture not just Stokes' likeness but also something of his essence. The muted tones, grays, and browns, mixed with just a touch of blue, create a somber yet dignified atmosphere. Look closely, and you can see the brushstrokes, the way Orpen built up the form with layers of paint, especially around the face and hands. It’s like he’s feeling his way through the image, one dab at a time. The hands are clasped so tightly that they look so fragile. I wonder if Orpen was thinking about the weight of responsibility, the burden of leadership, or maybe just the quiet dignity of a man in his time. It makes you wonder about the conversations, the unspoken understandings, between artist and sitter. Painting is always a dance between intention and accident, control and surrender.