Object Image

Fenestration of the Ear (The Microscope)

This work shows Hepworth’s immense skill as a draughtsman. In 1944 her daughter Sarah was hospitalised and operated on by the surgeon Norman Capener. Hepworth was struck by the similarities between surgeons and artists, commenting that “there is, it seems to me, a close affinity between the work and approach of both physicians and surgeons, and painters and sculptors”. At Capener’s invitation, Hepworth was allowed to sit in on surgical procedures and between 1947-49, she produced nearly 80 drawings of operating rooms. These drawings of surgeons and their operating rooms are powerful and beautiful, and critics consider them to occupy an outstanding place in her work....
1948
Pencil and oil on gesso-prepared board
34.9 x 45.7cm
211
© Bowness. Image courtesy of The Ingram Collection

This work is part of The Ingram Collection of Modern British & Contemporary Art.

Where you'll find this

Deepen your knowledge