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.
Fine Art Prints
Forget cheap reproductions and printable posters. Bold, vibrant, non-toxic pigment inks honor your art & the planet.
Choose a white border for a fresh and refined visual break between artwork & frame. Or no border for a bold, immersive viewing experience.
True-to-life tones without glare or distortion: warm white, archival-grade, 200gsm matte art paper
Sharper details and deeper saturation endure for generations thanks to high-definition print lab techniques.
FSC® certified: every tree's replaced, worker's treated fairly & local community's rights respected.
Framed Art Prints
Timeless statements
• Chevron cut FSC® certified wooden frames.
• Ultra-clear perspex glaze.
• Includes 2" / 5cm acid-free, archival grade mount board. Just like you see in art galleries and museums.
3 distinctive colors
Black: Suits every style from bold modernity to gothic opulence.
White: Helps art shine bright in dark rooms to lift your mood.
Natural: Infuses warmth with its rich, honeyed tones.
Delivery & Refunds
2. Giclée Printing
Forget 4 color CMYK. Giclée layers up to 12 — alive with deeper shadows, richer highlights and multidimensional contrasts.
4. Luxe Velvety Texture
Museum-quality, heavyweight paper. Enhances details, depth & dimension. Softens glare. Letting colors tell their full story.
1. Brand New, Just for You
Handcrafted after you order. Reducing waste and energy by only making art that’s truly wanted — never mass-produced.
2. Giclée Printing
Forget 4 color CMYK. Giclée layers up to 12 — alive with deeper shadows, richer highlights and multidimensional contrasts.
3. 100+ Years of Color
Printed using a pro-lab process that helps your art stay bold & breathtaking for a lifetime with non-toxic, archival-grade inks.
4. Luxe Velvety Texture
Museum-quality, heavyweight paper. Enhances details, depth & dimension. Softens glare. Letting colors tell their full story.
5. FSC® Paper & Frames
Sustainable forestry, ethical labor and community conservation. No shortcuts, just responsible craftsmanship.
