About the artist
Sir William Orpen (1878-1931) was an Irish portrait painter and war artist. He was a leading figure in the Newlyn School of painters and a member of the Royal Academy. Orpen was born in Stillorgan, County Dublin and studied at the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin and the Slade School of Art in London. He was a successful portrait painter, painting many of the leading figures of the day, including the British Royal Family. Orpen was also an official war artist during World War I, painting scenes of the Western Front. He was knighted in 1918 for his services to art.
Also associated with: World War I, Royal Academy, Newlyn School, Metropolitan School of Art, Slade School of Art, Stillorgan.