Le Chef de l'Hôtel Chatham, Paris, ca. 1921

Sir William Orpen RA (1878 - 1931)

RA Collection: Art

Orpen's painting is a tour de force of monumental portraiture. The crisp white folds of the chef's uniform, the still-life of bottle and wine and the chops are all painted with dazzling technique set against a dark background. Orpen was inspired by artists such as Velázquez and Manet, but in his choice of subject he elevates the working man by portraying him with a swagger and authority equal to any nobleman.

The painting depicts Eugene Grossrieter (“Chester”), second chef at the Hotel Chatham, Paris.