A portrait of Winston Churchill, painted by artist Graham Sutherland, has gone on display at Churchill’s birthplace ahead of an auction in June. The painting is a smaller study created in preparation for a larger portrait that Churchill famously despised and was eventually destroyed. The surviving oil-on-canvas study shows Churchill’s head in profile against a dark background and is expected to fetch between 500,000 and 800,000 pounds at auction at Sotheby’s in London on June 6.
Sutherland was commissioned by the Houses of Parliament to paint Churchill to mark his 80th birthday in 1954. The full-length portrait was unveiled that year, with Churchill reportedly calling it a “remarkable example of modern art.” However, Churchill later expressed dissatisfaction with the painting, commenting that it made him appear “half-witted.” The painting was delivered to his home but was never seen again, with the Churchill family revealing years later that it had been destroyed. This story was recreated with poetic license in an episode of “The Crown” in which Churchill’s wife, Clementine, watches the painting burn.
Andre Zlattinger, Sotheby’s head of modern British and Irish art, noted that in the surviving study, Churchill is depicted in a moment of absent-minded thoughtfulness, mirroring the backstory of its creation and giving the impression of a man deeply concerned with his image. The painting is currently on public display at the room in Blenheim Palace where Churchill was born, allowing visitors to view it until Sunday. Following this, the painting will be shown at Sotheby’s offices in New York from May 3-16 and in London from May 25-June 5 leading up to the auction.
The painting by Sutherland offers a poignant glimpse into Churchill’s complex relationship with modern art and his dissatisfaction with the representation he was presented with. The painting, captured in a moment of quiet contemplation, adds depth to the narrative surrounding Churchill’s public image and his personal perceptions of how he was portrayed. The story of the portrait’s creation and subsequent destruction adds an element of intrigue and drama to its history, creating a compelling backstory that enhances its value and significance for collectors and historians alike.
By showcasing the painting at Churchill’s birthplace and in prominent art galleries in New York and London, Sotheby’s is drawing attention to the historical and cultural significance of this piece. The public display of the painting allows visitors to engage with Churchill’s legacy in a tangible way and offers insight into the complexities of his public persona and private sentiments. The auction of the painting provides an opportunity for art enthusiasts and historians to own a piece of history and to further explore the nuanced relationship between an iconic figure and the art that sought to capture his essence.
