John Lavery (1856-1941) was an Irish painter known for his portraits and landscapes. Born in Belfast, he studied at the Glasgow School of Art and later in Paris. He became a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1885 and was elected a member of the Royal Academy in 1921. Lavery's early work was influenced by the French Impressionists, but he later developed his own style, characterized by bold brushstrokes and a vibrant use of color. He was particularly skilled at capturing the essence of his subjects, whether they were famous figures or ordinary people. During World War I, Lavery served as an official war artist, producing a series of paintings that depicted the war effort and the lives of soldiers. He was also a friend of many prominent figures of his time, including Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw. Lavery's work is held in many major collections, including the National Gallery of Ireland and the Tate Gallery in London. He is considered one of the most important Irish artists of the 20th century.
