λ Frank Cadogan Cowper (British 1877-1958)Self-Portrait of the Artist in his Eightieth Year, 1957Oil on canvasSigned, inscribed and dated (to label verso)78.5 x 68cm (30¾ x 26¾ in.)Provenance:The artist's familySale, Christie's, London, 14 May 1993, lot 92Where purchased by the present owner (a member of the Cadogan Cooper family)Frank Cadogan Cowper studied at St John's Wood Art School and then at the Royal Academy Schools where he went on to exhibit throughout his sixty-year career. He became an Associate in 1907 and a full academician in 1934. His early work is strongly influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, but later he adopted a more Renaissance style, often with an emphasis on rich brocades to create a decorative effect. In 1908-10 he contributed to the murals illustrating Tudor history in the Commons' East Corridor in the Houses of Parliament. He is often seen as the last exponent of the Pre-Raphaelite tradition and was patronised by Evelyn Waugh, a pioneer of the Victorian revival. His worked featured prominently in John Christian's pioneering exhibition The Last Romantics, in 1989 at the Barbican Art Gallery. His popularity continues to rise and in 2011 his picture Our Lady of the Fruits of the Earth sold at auction for £469,250, a record for the artist. Medium Oil on canvas Notes λ indicates that this lot may be subject to Droit de Suite royalty charges. Please see our Terms & Conditions for more information.