“Readers should turn, moreover, to ‘Night’, than which, in its kind, Mr. Orpen has done nothing better. Here the dexterous brush forgets its dexterity, and the painter celebrates, graciously, sensitively, and with a certain ‘raison mystique’, an aspect of a quiet moment.”
The present intimate, evening interior belongs to William Orpen's series of 'Night' paintings between 1906-8, in which the artist's wife, Grace, bathed in candle light, reclines by a window through which a cobalt-blue sky at late dusk can be seen. This sense of private seclusion appealed greatly to Orpen, and he explored the subject with subtle variations across the series. Here Grace reclines peacefully, eyes closed and her arms folded above her head. In others she holds back a lace curtain; has her hands on her lap and her face turned towards the darkness; and has Orpen himself behind her, bending over in a kiss (fig. 1). In one instance, he painted the window without any human presence.
The setting is the artist's house at 13 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea. As Bruce Arnold observed:
'in the company of his wife, he seemed to be stripping down his vision to certain bare essentials that nevertheless made up his own small universe at that time.'
The fact Orpen executed several oils as well as drawings and watercolours signifies the strength of Orpen's feelings towards this domestic harmony. However, as Arnold also points out, the primary concern for Orpen, averse as he was to discuss deeper meanings about his work, was on the formal opportunities the subject presented. By this standard the series of Night paintings should be judged first and foremost. In the present example, we see Orpen's masterful handling of tone, composition and atmosphere. The window echoes the proportions of the canvas, and the overall harmony of the subject is heightened by Orpen's refined and soft use of colour. Here too are surely echoes of Vermeer's celebrated interiors.
“It is to be hoped that the Goupil Gallery Salon, inaugurated last year by Messrs. Marchant, will become a permanent series. The chance to see side by side well-chosen examples of modern painting by English and foreign artists is valuable and delightful. The second exhibition included some remarkable works… Mr. Orpen’s ‘ Night,’ another affirmation of a talent that strengthens in interpretation of the life and beauty of the things he so skilfully paints…”
For additional information, please visit the Sir William Orpen website at: http://www.sirwilliamorpen.com/night-series-by-sir-william-orpen/