Sir William Orpen RA, Le Chef de l'Hôtel Chatham, Paris

Le Chef de l'Hôtel Chatham, Paris, ca. 1921

Sir William Orpen RA (1878 - 1931)

RA Collection: Art

Orpen's painting is a tour de force of monumental portraiture. The crisp white folds of the chef's uniform, the still-life of bottle and wine and the chops are all painted with dazzling technique set against a dark background. Orpen was inspired by artists such as Velázquez and Manet, but in his choice of subject he elevates the working man by portraying him with a swagger and authority equal to any nobleman.

The painting depicts Eugene Grossrieter (“Chester”), second chef at the Hotel Chatham, Paris.

Object details

Title
Le Chef de l'Hôtel Chatham, Paris
Artist/designer
Sir William Orpen RA (1878 - 1931)
Date
ca. 1921
Object type
Painting
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions

1270 mm x 1025 mm x 25 mm

Collection
Royal Academy of Arts
Object number
03/1237
Acquisition
Diploma Work given by Sir William Orpen RA accepted 1921

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