Portrait of the Artist 

This is an etching called “Portrait of the Artist” by Augustus John. John was a prominent figure in the British art world during the early 20th century, and this self-portrait offers a glimpse into the artist's own self-fashioning. In this etching, John presents himself with a certain bohemian flair, a deliberate challenge to the more rigid social norms of Edwardian Britain. His penetrating gaze hints at the artist’s inner life and self-image. The etching as a medium was favoured by artists seeking an alternative to academic painting and sculpture. The etching process allowed for greater spontaneity and immediacy, aligning with the avant-garde spirit of the time. This particular print provides a case study in the cultural and institutional history of art. Historical sources like letters, exhibition catalogues, and critical reviews help us understand the artist's position within the broader social and institutional context of his time.