Henry Scott Tuke

About this book

A timely survey of this significant British artist and the complexities surrounding his work and reputation today Famed for his depictions of sun sea and sailing during a late Victorian and Edwardian golden age the British painter Henry Scott Tuke RA (18581929) is an intriguing artistic anomaly. Moving between Cornish-based artist colonies and the London art scene stylistically Tuke presents a fusion of progressive plein airisme loose impressionistic handling and a vivid palette and yet he was fundamentally an academic painter of exhibition nudes. Though consistently successful throughout his lifetime in the wake of two world wars Tukes depictions of bathing boys came to represent a seemingly outmoded epoch. This far-reaching study features new research from leading authorities on Victorian and Edwardian art. Essays tackle questions of wide-ranging artistic influences experimental art practice and a varied reception history. Tukes repeated portrayal of adolescent male nudes provokes challenging questions about the depiction exhibition and reception of the bodyespecially the young bodyboth then and now. Published in association with Watts Gallery Exhibition Schedule: Watts Gallery Surrey (June 7September 12 2021) Falmouth Art Gallery Cornwall (September 18November 20 2021)