painting
Artwork
Accession Number
983.781bDescription
An oil painting on canvas depicting Elinor Dunsmuir (1887-1938), her dark hair short and slightly curled, her torso dressed in a loose fitting V-neck cream coloured blouse and light brown jacket, her right hand in her pocket, the left hand bent and holding an un-patterned green fabric fedora-shaped hat and orange handkerchief, her head turned to her right, the background a simple landscape depicting a distant waterway and stormy sky.Narrative
Emily Elinor Dunsmuir (b. Departure Bay, November 15, 1887 - d. Victoria, April 9, 1938) was about 37 years old when this picture was completed in 1924. She was well-read and artistically inclined. She spent a good portion of her adult life in the cultural centres of Europe. While her attraction to the gaming tables of Monte Carlo has been widely reported, less known is that she was also a composer of orchestral and piano music. She associated with composers Leopold Godowsky (1870-1938) and Noel Coward (1899-1973). The Castle Society owns many of Elinor's books, two of her ballet scores, and one piano concerto. History of Use
This painting was donated to Craigdarroch Castle by the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in 1972. 1 The history of its use before the gift was made is unknown.
1. Written report by Castle Society President James K. Nesbitt to Society members dated October 6, 1972. Also, a letter dated 21 June, 1972 from AGGV Director Colin Graham to Mrs. G.M. Welsh, Secretary, The Castle Society referencing the gift of this painting.Date
1924Dimensions
108 x 83.8 cmSubject/Image
Emily Elinor DunsmuirMedium
OilSupport
CanvasTechnique
PaintedInscription
Ern Castelein 1924Country of Origin
Republic of France