John Rodker (1894–1955)

© the estate of David Bomberg. All rights reserved, DACS 2024. Image credit: Ben Uri Collection

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This portrait depicts Bomberg’s close friend, the modernist poet, essayist and publisher John Rodker. Rodker was a fellow member of the ‘Whitechapel Boys’, a group of aspiring writers and artists who grew up in London’s East End at the turn of the twentieth century and made a significant contribution to early modernism. Bomberg collaborated with Rodker, illustrating the cover of his first collection of poems in 1914, while Rodker wrote reviews of Bomberg’s art including 'Racehorses' in 1913. Bomberg’s realistic approach to the figure illustrates his move away from his early sharp-edged Vorticist treatment and towards a more painterly style. He uses broad, expressive brushstrokes and the brown and green flesh tones of the face are reminiscent of Cézanne.

Ben Uri Gallery & Museum

London

Title

John Rodker (1894–1955)

Date

c.1931

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 71.5 x W 57 cm

Accession number

2008-13

Acquisition method

gift from Mrs Joan Rodker

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

BOMBERG

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Ben Uri Gallery & Museum

108a Boundary Road, St John's Wood, London, Greater London NW8 0RH England

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