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Painted in 1913 by Irish artist Sir William Orpen, William Bourn II is depicted in a double-breasted suit and a bow tie. Portraits like this one, called swagger paintings, were commissioned to showcase wealth and social status.
Label
Painted in 1913 by Irish artist Sir William Orpen, this portrait of William Bourn II originally hung in the Library at Filoli, where it remains today. Swagger paintings were commissioned artwork, designed to showcase the sitters’ wealth and social class. William is looking directly at the artist, his left elbow resting on the brown chair, his hand on his cheek, and his right hand holding a cigarette. He is wearing a black double-breasted suit with grey collar and cuffs, accented with a red, blue, and brown bowtie.
