Various Studies Possibly 1906

Augustus John rendered this set of studies using etching, capturing an array of expressions and poses. The prevalence of elderly, bearded men, and the way they’re framed, brings to mind the motif of the philosopher or the prophet, figures laden with wisdom and often depicted with similar gravitas in Renaissance portraiture. Observe how one figure is juxtaposed with a younger woman, a timeless pairing seen in images of the old master and his muse, a trope that carries psychological weight related to legacy, mentorship, and the transmission of knowledge. Consider, too, the motif of the clasped hands, a symbol found across cultures from ancient Roman votive reliefs to depictions of Christ. Hands, particularly when intertwined, denote trust, agreement, or a passing of power. Through such symbols, John engages with archetypes that resonate deeply within us, touching on themes of mortality, wisdom, and the relationships that define our existence. These motifs are not static, but are continuously reinterpreted, speaking to our collective subconscious through the ages.