Brilliant Destiny: The Age of Augustus John

Augustus John was a British draughtsman considered by John Singer Sargent to be the best British draughtsman since the Renaissance. He was the first of the British 'Post-Impressionists' and was a prominent figure in the British artistic milieu. This book explores his life and career, interweaving his biography with the personalities who surrounded him, including his fellow students at the Slade School of Art and his friends William Orpen, Ambrose McEvoy, Spencer Gore, and Percy Wyndham Lewis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd

Augustus John, a renowned British draughtsman considered by John Singer Sargent to be the finest since the Renaissance, emerged as a pivotal figure in the British 'Post-Impressionist' movement. His immense significance led Virginia Woolf to proclaim in 1921 that a new era, marked by the influence of Augustus John, had dawned by 1908. Wyndham Lewis later coined the term "the Augustan decade" to describe the ten years preceding 1914. John's captivating presence, characterized by his handsome, unconventional nature, exuded a brilliant promise and a vibrant Bohemian spirit. He became the epitome of the aspirations of young British art students, who sought to emulate his style and essence.

This captivating book delves into the extraordinary life of Augustus John, tracing his journey from his birth in south Wales in 1878 to the final stages of his youth during the First World War. It intertwines his biography with the personalities who surrounded him, exploring their profound influence on both John and their own artistic journeys. Among these figures are his fellow students at the Slade School of Art, including his sister Gwen John and future wife Ida Nettleship, as well as his close friends William Orpen, Ambrose McEvoy, Spencer Gore, and Percy Wyndham Lewis. These individuals would all go on to achieve prominence as renowned artists in their own right.

"Augustus John: The Rise and Fall of a British Artist" is a long overdue, fresh interpretation of this singular figure who stood at the center of the British artistic milieu while simultaneously maintaining a distinct identity. The book sheds light on John's artistic development, his relationships with his contemporaries, and the broader cultural and artistic movements that shaped his career. It provides a comprehensive account of his life and work, offering a deeper understanding of his contributions to the world of art.

In conclusion, "Augustus John: The Rise and Fall of a British Artist" is a captivating exploration of the life and career of a remarkable artist who left an indelible mark on the British art scene. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, the book offers a fresh perspective on John's life and work, shedding light on his significance as a pioneer of the 'Post-Impressionist' movement and his enduring influence on the art world. This book is a must-read for art enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in the history of British art.

Weight: 862g
Dimension: 180 x 250 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848226579