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AUGUSTUS EDWIN JOHN OM RA (1878-1961) MODERN BRITISH (20th Century ) The Irish Girl; Portrait of Dorrie John, (c. 1929 to 1930 Wales)

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Oil on canvas

Signed John upper right

36.00cm wide   47.00cm high (14.17 inches wide  18.50 inches high)

Private collection, Gloucestershire; to 2002

Dorrie was the wife of David John, eldest son of Augustus and Ida. She was always known as the `Irish Girl'. Leaving her family home in Ireland as a teenager, Dorrie dreamt of realising her talents as a violinist and pursuing a career as a musician in London. Instead she devoted herself to motherhood, marrying David John in 1929 who was himself for a time an oboist in several major orchestras. During the marriage she continued to develop her talent as an amateur violinist.

This tender portrait was painted by Augustus John during the early years of her marriage. The exotic turquoise mantilla which she wears was owned by Augustus John and appears in several other portraits by the artist.