Alfred Shuttleworth 1904

William Logsdail painted Alfred Shuttleworth with oil on canvas sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century, and it’s the kind of portrait that makes you wonder about the sit. The dark tones remind me of a well-worn academic painting tradition, but the execution feels fresh. Look at the way the paint is built up in layers, creating texture and depth! I bet Logsdail worked on this portrait over several sessions, each time adding new details and refining the likeness, considering the light and form of the subject. The brushstrokes around the eyes are particularly telling; they capture a sense of intelligence and perhaps even a touch of weariness. I wonder if he knew the subject. Do you think Logsdail ever considered the long line of portrait painters that came before him, each grappling with similar challenges of representation and expression? I know I do.