The snarling portrait

Lady Ottoline Morrell by Augustus John

This is perhaps the most recognisable image of Lady Ottoline Morrell which now forms part of the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Welsh artist Augustus John began this portrait of Lady Ottoline around 1908 but it was a further eleven years before it was finished. 

During her lengthy sittings for John, Ottoline developed romantic feelings for the artist who was married and bisexual. 

Perhaps it was these feelings which were at play when the portrait finally revealed to the public at the Alpine Club in 1920. Journalists described the image as ‘witch-like’ and ‘snarling’ and were clearly dismayed at Ottoline’s refusal to be upset. She considered the upper part of her face to be fine but 'the mouth is too open… as if I was washing my teeth and all the foam was on my mouth.’ John claimed that he not intended to be cruel but it is difficult not to see the depiction of this generous woman as anything other than grotesque. True to herself, Ottoline chose to rise above any intended cruelty and eventually bought the painting herself - though for less than the price which John had demanded.