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Last month's visit to Philadelphia presented the perfect opportunity to explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As I was walking through the rooms of this beautiful museum, I spotted a painting by Winston Churchill.
I had completely forgotten that Churchill was not just a former Prime Minister of Britain but also a painter. I wanted to learn more…
The Artist: Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill, best known as the prime minister who led Britain during World War II, had a lesser-known talent as an artist. Born in 1874, Churchill discovered his passion for painting later in life, at the age of forty. It was during a family holiday in 1915, when his political career was at a low point, that he was introduced to this new hobby.
Painting became a welcome break from Churchill's busy political life. It gave him a chance to relax and express his creativity. Over forty-eight years, he painted more than 500 pieces, covering a range of subjects from landscapes to buildings and even the goldfish pond at Chartwell, his country home.
Churchill approached painting with a genuine artist's heightened perception, finding beauty in scenes that may have seemed commonplace to others. He admired Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists like Claude Monet and Henri Matisse, and their influence is evident in his works, which often featured vivid colors and energetic brushstrokes.
His artistic endeavors were not limited to his personal enjoyment. Churchill also enjoyed sharing his passion for painting with others and would often speak and write about the aesthetic rewards of the hobby for amateur artists. He considered it the greatest of hobbies and encouraged others to explore their own artistic inclinations.
Despite achieving success and recognition as a political leader and writer (he won the Nobel Prize for Literature), Churchill was dismissive of his own painting skills, often referring to his works as "daubs." However, this self-deprecation did not deter his dedication to the craft. He continued to paint and even sold some of his works, although he generously gave away many others as gifts.
Painting also served as a coping mechanism for Churchill. He described it as a way to combat his own depression, which he referred to as "the black dog." Engaging in the creative process and immersing himself in the beauty of art provided solace and brought him a renewed sense of joy and vitality.
Churchill's life as an artist was a blend of both passion and philosophy. It allowed him to express himself, ease the pressures of his political career, and explore a world of creativity. Although he may not have considered himself a great artist, his dedication to painting and the legacy of his works provide further insight into the multi-faceted life of this influential leader.
Original video: Facts About Winston Churchill
The Art: Beach at Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Beach at Saint-Jean-de-Luz painted around 1931, captures a scene from the French coastal town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This painting centers on the Casino La Pergola, known for its Cubist architecture by Robert Mallet-Stevens, which is still standing today. The artwork was gifted to the Philadelphia Museum of Art by Tracey and Shanin Specter in 2022.
The painting showcases Churchill's artistic skills and his connection with the artistic movements of his time. It reveals his ability to capture the essence of a scene and his appreciation for the beauty of nature and the built environment. It not only portrays the natural beauty and architectural elegance of the region but also illustrates Churchill's fascination with places that were celebrated by artists influenced by Cezanne.
However, Beach at Saint-Jean-de-Luz is not Winston Churchill’s most renowned work. Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque, which sold for a record $11.6 million in 2021, might be his most famous painting.
The remarkable sale price was nearly four times the top pre-sale estimate. Painted in Marrakesh during World War II, it is the only landscape Churchill completed during the war.
The artwork holds significant historical value as it was painted after the Casablanca Conference in 1943, where Churchill and US President Franklin Roosevelt made important wartime decisions.
Churchill gifted the painting to US President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a symbol of the special relationship between the two nations. After Roosevelt's son owned the painting, it changed hands several times before Brad Pitt purchased it in 2011, and Angelina Jolie sold it to an anonymous buyer in 2021.
Sources:
BBC News. (2021, March 2). Angelina Jolie sells Winston Churchill painting for record £7m. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-56250654
Beach at Saint-Jean-de-Luz. (n.d.). https://philamuseum.org/collection/object/349574
Beyer, G. (2023, September 10). The Artist Winston Churchill: a political leader’s side hustle? TheCollector. https://www.thecollector.com/winston-churchill-art/
Brady, A. (2021, March 1). Winston Churchill’s painting of Marrakech—given to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and sold by Angelina Jolie—sells for record £8.2m. The Art Newspaper - International Art News and Events. https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/03/01/winston-churchills-painting-of-marrakechgiven-to-president-franklin-d-roosevelt-and-sold-by-angelina-joliesells-for-record-pound82m
Palumbo, J. (2021, March 1). Rare Winston Churchill painting sold by Angelina Jolie smashes auction record. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/winston-churchill-christies-sale-auction-record/index.html
Rea, N. (2021, March 3). Winston Churchill Made a Painting and Gave It to FDR. Then Angelina Jolie Got It. She Just Sold It for $11.6 Million at Christie’s. Artnet News. https://news.artnet.com/market/christies-churchill-record-modern-british-1948089
Robbins, R. C. (n.d.). The Artist Winston Churchill. America’s National Churchill Museum. https://www.nationalchurchillmuseum.org/the-artist-winston-churchill.html
Winston Churchill. (2018, May 1). Hallmark Art Collection. https://www.hallmarkartcollection.com/creatively-thinking/stories/winston-churchill/
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What is your favorite art? What artist would you like me to research next?
I remember the first time I saw Winston Churchill's pantings - and was blown away. I had no idea he had been such a talented artist.
Thank you for highlighting this Alina.