Ready to Start - William Orpen Art Print
Description
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.
Delivery & Refunds
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.
More details on returns and refunds
Giclée Printing
Gold standard for museum-level quality. Traditional printing uses the classic CMYK color range - bottom image. Giclée uses pigment based, archival quality inks. Manufactured on advanced inkjet printers with up to 12 individual colors - top image.
Finish & Texture
Museum-quality, heavyweight paper with a smooth, clean finish that emphasises complex highlights and tones. Delivering outstanding clarity and colors that hum with life. Perfect fit for color graphics, illustrations & fine art photography.
100+ Years of Color
Your new fine art print will be produced with bright and vibrant water-based inks. Non-hazardous and toxin-free, they're printed using a pro-lab process that delivers 100+ years of spectacular colour when cared for correctly.
FSC® Certified
Trees are harvested with no net loss of forest over time. Workers are provided proper training, safety protocols, and fair wages. Local communities’ rights and resources are respected.
Partnered with Prodigi
I've worked with a lot of partners over the years. Prodigi's quality and care is remarkable, but their commitment to art, the environment and ethical supply chains captured my heart.
Details, Details
Paper color: Natural white
Weight: 200gsm (5.9oz/yd)
Printing method: Giclée
Inks: Water-based
Shipped in: Tough cardboard tube
Giclée Printing
Gold standard for museum-level quality. Traditional printing uses the classic CMYK color range - bottom image. Giclée uses pigment based, archival quality inks. Manufactured on advanced inkjet printers with up to 12 individual colors - top image.
Finish & Texture
Museum-quality, heavyweight paper with a smooth, clean finish that emphasises complex highlights and tones. Delivering outstanding clarity and colors that hum with life. Perfect fit for color graphics, illustrations & fine art photography.
100+ Years of Color
Your new fine art print will be produced with bright and vibrant water-based inks. Non-hazardous and toxin-free, they're printed using a pro-lab process that delivers 100+ years of spectacular colour when cared for correctly.
FSC® Certified
Trees are harvested with no net loss of forest over time. Workers are provided proper training, safety protocols, and fair wages. Local communities’ rights and resources are respected.
Partnered with Prodigi
I've worked with a lot of partners over the years. Prodigi's quality and care is remarkable, but their commitment to art, the environment and ethical supply chains captured my heart.
