Artwork

Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark

Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark, by William Nicholson, 1899
Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark, by William Nicholson, 1899

Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark is a print by the Impressionist artist William Nicholson. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
2014.231

About this work

Overview

Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark is a 1899 print by William Nicholson, a British artist known for his work in multiple mediums.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Prince Bismarck as an older man with a wrinkled face and bald head, dressed in a dark coat, set against a dark background with a subtle landscape below.

Technique & Style

The portrait features sharp lines and strong contrast between light and dark areas, achieved through Nicholson's skilled use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes the interplay between light and shadow.

History & Provenance

The work is part of Nicholson's Twelve Portraits series, showcasing his graphic sensibility and skill in printmaking, a medium he explored alongside other techniques like woodcut and lithography.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Nicholson

Artist

William Nicholson

Sir William Newzam Prior Nicholson (5 February 1872 – 16 May 1949) was a British painter of still-life, landscape and portraits.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark?

Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark was painted by William Nicholson in 1899.

Where can I see Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark?

Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark?

Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark?

Museum-quality prints of Twelve Portraits: Prince Bismark are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.