Gluck (painter)

Gluck (13 August 1895 – 5 December 1978) was the professional name of British painter Hannah Gluckstein. Gluck rejected conventional first names and lived and dressed outside traditional gender norms. Gluck is best known for portraits, floral paintings, and landscapes.

Life and Career:

Born into a wealthy Jewish family involved in the Lyons catering empire, Gluck received art education at St John's Wood Art School and later, briefly, at Heatherley's School of Fine Art. Gluck deliberately shunned traditional artistic circles and exhibited independently, most notably at the Fine Art Society in 1932 and 1937. Gluck was a distinctive figure in the art world, known for androgynous style, often wearing tailored suits and cropped hair. Gluck's lifestyle and appearance were deliberately chosen as a form of personal and artistic expression.

Artistic Style and Themes:

Gluck's work is characterized by a precise and meticulous technique. Early works displayed a Whistlerian influence, focusing on subtle tonal variations. Later work, particularly portraits, showed a strong emphasis on capturing the personality and inner life of the sitter. Gluck's floral paintings, often featuring simple arrangements of flowers, became a recurring theme.

Notable Works:

• Medallion (also known as YouWe), a double portrait of Gluck and Nesta Obermer, inspired by a night at the opera.
• Self Portrait (1942)
• Numerous floral still lifes.

Legacy:

Gluck's unconventional life and artistic choices made them a significant figure in the history of LGBTQ+ representation in art. Gluck's insistence on self-determination and rejection of societal norms continue to resonate with contemporary artists and audiences. Gluck’s work is held in numerous public collections, including the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate in London.