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Doris Zinkeisen (1897–1991) worked as an artist, and as a set and costume designer. Her talent as a designer for the stage is perhaps indicated in this theatrical self portrait, where the prominent make-up of the period is stressed. The heavily embroidered Chinese shawl draped off her shoulders lends a provocative air. She seems about to leave the set, pulling aside the black curtain with a hand half-covered by the black edging of the shawl.
The portrait was painted mostly in Sydney, where it was reported in January 1929 that she worked ‘in an impromptu studio at the end of her hotel bedroom’. A reproduction of the work featured on the cover of the Sydney style bible The Home in April 1929. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy that year under Zinkeisen’s married name, Mrs Grahame Johnstone, both ironically denying her connection with the creation of the image and asserting her social position.
National Portrait Gallery, London.
Purchased, 1999
© Estate of Doris Clare Zinkeisen
Joanna Gilmour travels through time to explore the National Portrait Gallery London’s masterpieces in Shakespeare to Winehouse.
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