Winifred Knights (1899-1947):
The Artist in a Dress of her own Design
Framed (ref: 7563)
Pen and ink and watercolour on paper
15 x 11 in. (38 x 28 cm)
See all works by Winifred Knights drawing ink pen and ink watercolour
Provenance: Private Collection
Literature: Llewellyn, Sacha, Winifred Knights, Lund Humphries, illustrated p 45
Exhibited: Winifred Knights, Dulwich Picture Gallery, 2016
The treatment of face and hands – elongated and symmetrical, with strong outline and an emphasis on the underlying anatomical geometry – would now become a defining characteristic of Knights figurative work. Knights is shown wearing a version of artistic dress, the embroidered bee motifs added for their decorative effect and possibly their esoteric iconography. The ribbon laced shoes, a fashion popularised by the celebrated ballerina Anna Pavlova would become a style favoured by Knights throughout her life.