Ready to Start - William Orpen Art Print

William Orpen's "Ready to Start" is a visual riddle wrapped in an enigma, served with a side of wartime whiskey. This self-portrait-slash-still-life is a masterclass in compositional tension, with Orpen casting himself as both subject and voyeur.

The artist peers out from a mirror, his face a mask of determination beneath that iconic tin hat, while a riotous tabletop cornucopia of bottles, maps, and siphons hints at the chaos beyond the frame. It's a love letter to impending chaos, a last gasp of civilization before the plunge into the muddy unknown of the Western Front.

Orpen's brushwork dances between precision and suggestion - those pink floral wallpaper splotches are practically winking at us, a cheeky nod to domestic comforts soon to be abandoned. The muted palette, punctuated by pops of color in the glassware, speaks volumes about the psychological weight of a world teetering on the brink.

This isn't just a painting; it's a time capsule, a snapshot of that liminal moment between peace and war, comfort and duty. Orpen's genius lies in making us feel the electric anticipation crackling through every inch of canvas. It's a work that demands we lean in close, decoding its layers like a spy examining a secret message, all while the artist's steady gaze reminds us of the very real, very human cost of the Great War looming on the horizon.

More gay art

Forget cheap reproductions and printable posters—bold, vibrant, non-toxic pigment inks honor your artwork and the planet.

Archival-grade, 200gsm matte art paper elevates art beyond the ordinary.

Smooth, natural white surface enhances color accuracy and detail, ensuring true-to-life tones without glare or distortion.

High-definition print lab techniques deliver sharper details and deeper saturation that endure for generations.

FSC® certified—meaning every tree harvested is replaced and every worker treated fairly, because art shouldn't cost the earth.

Tmeless statements

Chevron cut frames made from FSC® certified wood with an ultra-clear perspex glaze.

Chic acid-free mount border used in art galleries and museums. Ensuring your art print remains vivid and free from discoloration.

Three distinctive colors

1. Black: Inky undertones suit everything from bold modernity to gothic opulence.

2. White: A crisp look that helps art shine brighter in dark rooms to lift your mood.

3. Natural: Infuses warmth wherever it roams with those rich, honeyed tones.

Cost

Orders over $50 USD ship free.

Orders under $50 USD cost between $5-10 USD to ship depending on which part of the world you're ordering from.

Delivery Times

Production:

The average time it takes to produce the treasures you find here is 2-4 days.

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Average shipping times:

USA: 2-5 days • Canada: 3-8 days • UK: 2-5 days • Europe: 3-6 days • Australia: 2-5 days • New Zealand: 3-8 days • Rest of the world: 2-4 weeks

Please check the orders and shipping page for more specifics.

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Returns and Refunds

1. You're welcome to open a return / exchange request within 30 days of your order's delivery.

2. All items for return must be delivered back in their original condition, with their original packaging included.

3. No guarantees your return will be approved if you send items back before the approval of your return request

4. No returns, refunds or exchanges on discounted or sale items.

5. Return shipping costs are only covered in the rare cases that items arrive faulty, incorrect or damaged.

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