Look Again – HRH The Princess Royal

 

Mark Murphy’s response to Peter Greenham HRH The Princess Royal (1957)
I met Peter Greenham at the Royal Academy in the late 70s. I remember we shared an enthusiasm for Spanish painting and Velazquez in particular. You can see the influence in his portrait work and in his painting of the Princess Royal. It put me in mind of the ‘Infanta‘ series and it was with this thought that I approached the transcription.

Instead of official ‘Royal‘ surroundings the figure is placed in a modest familiar garden that is treated with as much significance as the Princess in her university robes. The head takes a miner role in the structure of the composition.

To view the portrait by Peter Greenham, click on the link: