Artwork
Arthur Joseph Conrad

Arthur Joseph Conrad is a print by Muirhead Bone. It dates from 1924 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1926.49
- Credit line
- Dudley P. Allen Fund
About this work
Overview
This print, titled 'Arthur Joseph Conrad', is a portrait etching by Sir Muirhead Bone, a Scottish artist known for his etchings and watercolours. Created around 1924, it depicts an older man with a full beard and mustache.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Arthur Joseph Conrad, is shown wearing a high-collared coat. The loose, quick lines of the etching give his face a rough texture. The simplicity of the portrait suggests a spontaneous study rather than a formal representation.
Technique & Style
The etching is characterized by its loose and expressive lines, which create a textured effect. While not a polished portrait, it demonstrates Bone's skill in capturing a likeness with economy of line. The softening of edges is reminiscent of the sfumato technique.
History & Provenance
Muirhead Bone was a prominent figure in the Etching Revival, and his early architectural etchings were highly prized before the market decline of 1929. He also worked as a war artist in both world wars, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Muirhead Bone (23 March 1876 – 21 October 1953) was a Scottish etcher and watercolourist who became known for his depiction of industrial and architectural subjects and his work as a war artist in both the First and Second World Wars.


















