Emmelline

Helen Farquhar (Exhibited 1903 – 1923)

Watercolour. Signed and dated 1908.

19¾” x 14¼” (50.2 cm x 36.2 cm)

Exhibited: London, The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, 1908.

Further signed and titled on original artist’s label verso, with artist’s address:
8, The Mall Studios, Parkhill Road, Haverstock Hill, N.W.
Provenance: Private collection, U.K.

A painter of portraits in the classical style, Helen Farquhar set up her studio in Hampstead, where she occupied one of the celebrated Mall Studios in Parkhill Road. These had been specifically designed as homes and workspaces for artists, and later occupants included Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and Henry Moore. Like Helen, the earlier artists who moved in were portraitists or painters of genre scenes. Between 1903 and 1923, Helen exhibited her work at The Royal Academy and The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, where the present example was shown in 1908. Her portrait of young Emmelline reveals not only the beauty, but also the personality and essence of her subject. With meticulous observation and a superb mastery of technical skills, Helen has captured subtle nuances of features, expression and texture, creating this timeless and engaging work.