THIS painting by the Irish-born artist John Lavery is a study for his work “The House of Commons – Ramsay McDonald Addressing the House” of 1924. (Thank you to the website, Victorian/Edwardian Paintings.) Leaving aside its historical meaning, I find it interesting as a painting of politicans, a subject matter rarely chosen by twentieth century artists. Although it is only a study and not the finished painting, this faceless sea of sobriety is moving and evocative.

— Comments —

Alex writes from England:

“A faceless sea of sobriety” is an astute observation on the scene, painted by John Lavery, in the House of Commons of 1924. I noticed just one woman is visible sitting on the bench on the right. That would be Nancy Astor the first woman to become a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. She was elected in 1919.

Nancy Astor (or Lady Astor, wife of Viscount Waldorf Astor) was born in Danville, Virginia. She was noted for her vivacity and beauty. There is a fine painting of her by John Singer Sargent. It’s curious that the first woman to take her seat in the British legislature was born in America.

Basic information about Nancy’s life and career – including her petty quarrels with Churchill – can be found at Wikipedia. 

Laura writes:

Below is Lavery’s finished painting, a more fully realized scene. The figure is indistinct, but I think Lady Astor is in the second bench to the right.

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