Leonard A. Scott Stokes, PRIBA, RGM 1912

This is a portrait of Leonard A. Scott Stokes painted in oil by William Orpen, and it’s got this wonderful quietness about it. Orpen really plays with the surface, doesn’t he? It’s not just about making a likeness; it’s about the act of painting itself. I’m drawn to the way Orpen handles the coat. It’s got this almost rough, tactile quality. You can almost feel the weight of the fabric, the way it might feel to wear it. And then there’s the background, this moody, almost swirling grey that sets off the figure so well. It reminds me of some of Whistler’s tonal paintings, that same sense of atmosphere and mood. Think about how Orpen brings forward the idea of ambiguity – there’s a quiet intensity in his gaze, a sense of someone deeply thoughtful. It's like Orpen wants us to ask questions, to engage with the painting on our own terms, rather than simply providing us with all the answers.