Abstract

An aspect of the Anglo-New Zealand artist Frances Hodgkins (1869­­–1947) which has been largely overlooked by art historians is the challenges that she faced with her eyesight, particularly from the 1930s onwards. These are documented here, using her letters to family and friends. The article then applies findings in the pioneering studies of art and ophthalmology by Patrick Trevor-Roper and John S. Werner to a selection of Hodgkins’ paintings of the period. Links are made between her use of colour ­– which earlier writers have described as lyrical and “rapturous” – and the strong probability that she was suffering from cataracts.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.