
Stanley Spencer drew this intense self-portrait in the final months of his life, before his death from cancer, in 1959.
He was staying with friends in Yorkshire when he made the work, using a dressing-table mirror to study his reflection. The drawing shows Spencer's trademark short fringe; however, his face looks worn and frail compared with his appearance in earlier self-portraits. He also made an oil painting of the same composition, now held by Tate.
The Stanley Spencer Gallery exists to commemorate the life and work of the artist, and is located in the Berkshire village where he lived. The collection includes only two other self-portraits: a photolithograph showing the young artist in 1913 and an oil painting dating from 1923. This haunting work now joins them there.
This work was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Self Portrait, 1959, 1959
Date supported
2020
Medium and material
Red Conté drawing on paper
Total cost
185000

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