Invention of the Printing Press by Vivian Forbes, Oil on Canvas

Print on Art Paper

Print size: 34 x 44 cm / 13.5 x 17.5 inch

Born in 1891 in London, Vivian Forbes was an English soldier and painter. His subjects of painting were portraits and Sculptors,? historical subjects. He studied at Haileybury and later at Paris. He was elected to the International Society of Painters and Gravers in 1925. He died in 1937.

This painting represents William Caxton who was an English merchant, writer and printer, at his residence in Westminster Hall. Caxton introduced the printing press to England in 1476. Forbes has avoided portraying Caxton his likeness as there was no authentic portrait of him for reference. Draped in a thick chrome yellow robe, Caxton stands in a posture of ease with his left leg in folded fashion atop a wooden stool. With his face turned in profile, he is seen examining a print, held in his hands. A crude printing press acts as another protagonist in this composition. Caxton’s headgear is tied in an informal fashion showing his approach towards dressing