Orpen at War

During World War I, Major William Orpen, a commercial painter, becomes the official British war artist. He experiences the horrors of the war and is unable to capture them on canvas. However, his inspired output becomes prolific, depicting the lives of soldiers, nurses, and generals. He is commissioned to paint the Paris Peace Conference but is disheartened by the war's futility and the betrayal of the fighting men by politicians. He divides his time between Paris and London, suffering from depression and ill health, and dies in 1931 of alcohol-related complications. This illustrated biographical novel showcases Orpen's paintings and drawings, providing a glimpse into the brutal reality of World War I and his remarkable personal and creative journey.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: The Liffey Press

During World War I, Major William Orpen, a highly successful commercial painter in Ireland and the UK, embarks on a remarkable journey as the official British war artist. With great enthusiasm, he sets off to the front, accompanied by a luxurious Rolls-Royce and a driver. However, nothing in his privileged life could have prepared him for the horrific experiences that lay ahead. Based in Amiens, Orpen initially struggles to capture the sights that haunt him on canvas. The horrors of war, such as the rat-infested, water-sodden trenches, the brave men charging across the tortured earth with fixed bayonets, the generals enjoying luxurious quarters, and the nurses tenderly tending to the wounded in the hell-hole hospitals, elude his artistic expression. Undeterred, Orpen's artistic output becomes prolific, depicting the realities of war with raw honesty and emotional intensity.

Commissioned to paint the Paris Peace Conference, Orpen settles in Paris with his model and muse, Yvonne. His epic work, "To the Unknown British Soldier in France," is hailed by some as a symbolic tribute to the fallen soldiers, while others view it as a blasphemous disgrace. Disheartened by the end of the war and the sense of futility it brought, Orpen is consumed by the betrayal he feels towards the fighting men and the politicians who orchestrated it. He divides his time between Paris and London, struggling with depression and ill health. Alienated from his family, Orpen tragically dies in 1931 due to alcohol-related complications.

This illustrated biographical novel, featuring dozens of Orpen's paintings and black-and-white drawings, offers a captivating glimpse into the brutal reality of World War I. It sheds light on Orpen's remarkable personal and creative journey, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of war and the human experience. Through his art, Orpen reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who served and the profound impact that the war had on society. This book will enthrall anyone interested in delving into the depths of this historical conflict and appreciating the artistic achievements of a remarkable artist.

ISBN-13: 9781739789237