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Alice Knewstub, 1897 (chalk on paper)
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Alice Knewstub, 1897 (chalk on paper)
909505 Alice Knewstub, 1897 (chalk on paper) by Legros, Alphonse (1837-1911); 35.6x27.9 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Alice Knewstub was the daughter of the artist Walter John Knewstub, Rossettis studio assistant. After her fathers marriage to one of his sitters, his income plummeted and he found it difficult to provide for his family. Thus, Alice went to work at an early age and soon found herself a job as an actress, taking the stage name Alice Kingsley. With her income she was able to send her two other sisters to school and help support the family. She met William Rothenstein at a reception in honour of the playwright Maurice Maeterlinck in 1895. They married two years after this portrait was drawn.
Alice was a known beauty and was widely admired. William Rothenstein, in his memoirs Men and Memories, tells of a visit to a monastery in France with Alice and how he was so touched by the beauty of the monasterys interior and the sense of peace and security that the monk who was with him hoped that he would be converted. Rothenstein explained to the monk as they walked to the door, that he was a painter and that many things in the world were very beautiful to him. As he reached the door with the monk, they saw Alice with her bright gold hair and the monk resigned, knowing he would not see Rothenstein again.
Legros was Rothensteins first drawing master at the Slade and subsequently a close friend, despite their difference in age. Legros was born in Dijon but in 1863 he moved to England where he was welcomed by Rossetti and G. F.Watts. On the recommendation of Poynter, he was appointed teacher of etching at the South Kensington School of Art, and his success in that post led to his election in 1875 to the Slade Professoship of Fine Art at University College, London. He remained there until 1892 where his pupils included Thomas Cooper Gotch, William Strang and Charles Holroyd. In his teaching he encouraged truth of character and severity, with a simple technique and respect for the traditions of the Old Masters.
); Photo eThe Ms Gallery, London; French, out of copyright
Media ID 23501600
© The Maas Gallery, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a stunning portrait of Alice Knewstub, drawn in 1897 by the talented artist Alphonse Legros. The artwork, created using chalk on paper, measures 35.6x27.9 cm and is currently held in a private collection. Alice Knewstub's life was marked by resilience and determination. As the daughter of struggling artist Walter John Knewstub, she faced financial hardships from an early age. To support her family, Alice pursued a career as an actress under the stage name Alice Kingsley. Her success allowed her to send her two sisters to school and provide for their needs. It was at a reception honoring playwright Maurice Maeterlinck in 1895 that Alice met William Rothenstein, who would later become her husband. This portrait was drawn two years before their marriage and captures Alice's undeniable beauty. Legros played a significant role in Rothenstein's artistic journey as his first drawing master at the Slade School of Fine Art. Despite their age difference, they developed a close friendship based on mutual respect and shared artistic values. Legros' teaching style emphasized sincerity of character and simplicity in technique while paying homage to the traditions established by Old Masters. His influence can be seen through notable artists such as Thomas Cooper Gotch, William Strang, and Charles Holroyd – all former students of his at University College London. This remarkable photograph provides us with not only an exquisite portrayal of Alice Knewstub but also offers insight into the lives intertwined within the art world during this era.
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