This richly illustrated hardcover volume offers a compelling exploration of the life and art of Irish-born portraitist John Schwatschke. With its publication in March 2020, the book traces Schwatschke’s development from early artistic training through to his establishment as a respected figure in portraiture, combining biography, archival photographs, and detailed examinations of his work.
Robertson places Schwatschke’s practice in the wider context of twentieth-century Irish art, emphasising his mastery of likeness, his patronage by prominent figures, and the distinctive blend of academic realism and personal expression in his portraits.
The result is both a scholarly account and a visually engaging portrait of an artist whose work bridges traditional technique and individual insight.
