Sickert: The Theatre of Life

by Richard Shone (Introduction)

The Theatre of Life explores the human side of Walter Sickert's art. Among the sources of inspiration which sustained him over a long career, none won him so much acclaim and infamy as the human face and body.

After a short period as an actor, he spent his life fashioning new identities for himself and his sitters. This fully-illustrated book provides an overview of Sickert's figurative work, from theatre subjects in the 1880s, through Camden Town period nudes, concluding with visionary late works including photo-based paintings and his controversial 'English Echoes'.

The publication features essays by leading specialists on Sickert's work. Richard Shone has written an introduction and catalogue entries which provide new information about the artist's friends and sitters. Wendy Baron has contributed a memoir about her 'life with Sickert' and a scholarly article about a newly-discovered painting by the artist. Also included are first-hand accounts of Sickert written by Basil Jonzen and Duncan Grant.

185 pages, Hardcover

Published December 28, 2021

About the author

Richard Shone (born 1949) is a British art historian and art critic specializing in British modern art, and from 2003–15 was the editor of The Burlington Magazine.