488. JAMES MILLER (1893-1987). SELF PORTRAIT IN THE STUDIO.

Signed, oil on canvas
126 x 70cm.
Exhibited: Glasgow Art Club, 1940

Literature: Lesley Duncan, `James Miller R.S.A.’ (pub. Royal Scottish Academy 1990)

The artist depicts himself in his mid forties. One of his own nocturnes hangs on the wall behind him.

In her monograph on the artist (in which this painting provides the cover image), Leslie Duncan notes that the self-portrait shows Miller in young middle age with flamboyant high brimmed hat and long white coat, its folds skilfully rendered. `Behind the round spectacles his eyes look intently at his easel rather than the viewer. He was not concerned with self-flattery. The wide-spread feet, however, and the figure’s whole mien speak of confidence in his own presence and talents’.