Spencer, Stanley

(6/30/1891 Cookham- 12/14/1959 Taplow) (England)

   Painter and draughtsman. Studied at the Slade Art School under Henry Tonks. Consider one of the greatest British artists of the 20th century. During his career his subjects ranged from his World War I experiences, scenes of World War II shipyard work, and religious art, as well as some erotic nudes.

   Reproductions: Leg-of-mutton nude (self portrait with Patricia); 1937; oil; Webb, 1975: p. 233 / Smith, 1974: pp. 170-171 / Lucie- Smith, 1972: p. 173 [B]. Seeing, from Beatitudes of love; 1937; Webb, 1975: p. 232 [B]. Untitled [female nudes with furniture]; drawing; Melville, 1973: fig. 82 [B]. Untitled [nude couple in love play]; Melville, 1973: fig. 184 [B]. Untitled [nude women drying themselves]; Melville, 1973: fig. 83 [B]. Untitled [young couple exposing themselves on a toilet]; Melville, 1973: figs. 84, 85 [B].

   [b]Source: Benezit, vol. 13: pp. 126-127; DoA vol. 29: pp. 382-385; Simon Schama, "The church of me," New Yorker 73, 1 (February 17, 1997): pp. 50-61; Barrymore Laurence Scherer, "A fool for love," Art & Antiques 11 (December 1997): pp. 47-50; ThB XXXI 1937: p. 356; Vollmer IV 1958: p. 328.