Bernard Meninsky's most famous painting is The Red Hat (Margaret Meninsky) (1919), in the Ferens Art Gallery, Hull. With Portrait of a Girl (1916) and Portrait of a Boy (1917), it completes the three works everyone recognises. Our catalogue lists 62 works by Bernard Meninsky; the 62 below are the ones the world looks at most, each with its year, the museum that holds it and why it matters.
Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated October 2026. Every masterpiece on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, at the size you choose.
In the quiet intimacy of The Red Hat, painted in 1919, we are invited into a world that feels both profoundly personal and timelessly poised. Bernard Meninsky, an artist whose life was shaped by the shifting shadows of early 20th-century Europe, captures here more than just a seated figure; he captures a breath held in time. The focal point is a woman, her presence commanding yet contemplative, draped in the…
The Portrait of a Boy by Bernard Meninsky, created in 1923, is a masterpiece that exudes an aura of serenity and contemplation. This oil on canvas painting measures 91 x 71 cm and is a testament to Meninsky's skillful brushwork and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. Composition and Details The boy in the portrait sits on a wooden chair, which dominates the scene, stretching from the…
In the quietude of 1942, amidst a world convulsed by the tremors of global conflict, Bernard Meninsky captured a moment of profound stillness. His Portrait of a Girl serves as a poignant sanctuary of introspection, inviting the viewer into a private, contemplative space. The subject, a young woman with cascading locks, is caught in a downward gaze, her eyes averted from the observer to focus on something unseen—perhaps her own…
In the quiet, evocative realm of Bernard Meninsky’s 1913 work, Two Women and Child, we are invited into a moment of profound intimacy that transcends the mere depiction of figures. This finely executed drawing serves as a poignant window into the artist's early mastery, capturing a scene that feels both timeless and deeply personal. The composition centers on two women standing in close proximity, their presence anchored by the delicate…
In the quietude of 1923, Bernard Meninsky captured a moment of profound stillness in his masterpiece, Landscape. This evocative oil on canvas invites the viewer to wander through…
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The painting "Study of Trees" by Bernard Meninsky is a stunning representation of nature's beauty, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing the essence of the natural world. Created…
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The John Banting painting by Bernard Meninsky is a remarkable piece of art that showcases the artist's exceptional skill in capturing the essence of his subject. Created in…
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The painting Mother and Child by Bernard Meninsky is a beautiful example of early 20th-century art. Created in 1919, this oil on canvas piece measures 122 x 91…
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The painting Still Life with Apples by Bernard Meninsky is a stunning example of oil on canvas artwork, created in 1927. Measuring 31 x 41 cm, this beautiful…
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The painting Mother and Child by Bernard Meninsky is a beautiful representation of the love and bond between a mother and her child. Created in oil on canvas,…
Bring it home →The four subjects that return most often among these masterpieces, with the finest example of each.
The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Bernard Meninsky | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Somerville College |
Oxford | 7 | Beech Trees, View on the Oxford Canal, Hillside in Cumberland |
 Ben Uri Gallery and Museum |
London | 4 | Two Women and Child, Standing Female Nude, Torremolinos, South of Spain |
 Walker Art Gallery |
Liverpool | 3 | Elsie Farleigh (1900–1981), The Bathers, Landscape |
 The Hepworth Wakefield |
Wakefield | 2 | Portrait of a Boy, Lilies |
 Arts Council Collection |
London | 2 | Portrait of a Girl, Andalusian Landscape |
 The Stanley - Audrey Burton Gallery |
Leeds | 2 | Portrait of a Girl (The Artist's Sister), Mother and Child |
 Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery |
Nottingham | 2 | Still Life with Yellow Bowl and Fruit, Still Life with Apples |
 Jerwood Gallery |
Hastings | 2 | Mother and Child, Irish Peasants |
In the quiet intimacy of The Red Hat, painted in 1919, we are invited into a world that feels both profoundly personal and timelessly poised. Bernard Meninsky, an…
The Portrait of a Boy by Bernard Meninsky, created in 1923, is a masterpiece that exudes an aura of serenity and contemplation. This oil on canvas painting measures…
In the quietude of 1942, amidst a world convulsed by the tremors of global conflict, Bernard Meninsky captured a moment of profound stillness. His Portrait of a Girl…
The Red Hat (Margaret Meninsky) (1919), Ferens Art Gallery, Hull. Next come Portrait of a Girl (1916) and Portrait of a Boy (1917).
28 years old: The Red Hat (Margaret Meninsky) dates from 1919 and Bernard Meninsky was born in 1891.
The Red Hat (Margaret Meninsky), Portrait of a Girl, Portrait of a Boy, Sketch of Soldiers Arriving on Leave, Portrait, Portrait of a Boy, Portrait of a Girl, Two Women and Child, Robin and The Woman's Head. The ranking above gives the year and the museum of each.
Our catalogue lists 62 works by Bernard Meninsky, dated from 1913 to 1948.
Most of them are in Somerville College (Oxford), Ben Uri Gallery and Museum (London) and Walker Art Gallery (Liverpool). The table above lists the museums one by one.
In 1920s: 17 of the 62 works on this page date from then, among them Portrait of a Boy.
The earliest on this page is Two Women and Child (1913), the latest Figure in a Landscape (1948).
Portrait (5), Reflection (3) and Victorian era (2), among the 62 works on this page.
Oil: 3 of the 62 works on this page.
Post-impressionism and Contemporary realism, as the paintings on this page show.
Beech Trees, View on the Oxford Canal and Hillside in Cumberland are among the 7 works on this page held by the Somerville College, Oxford.
Yes. Every painting on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, in the size you choose, from the painting's own page.
Born in Konotop, Ukraine – a place steeped in both Ukrainian and Yiddish heritage – Bernard Meninsky’s artistic journey began far from the bustling art centers of London. His early life, marked by a swift move to Liverpool with his family, laid the foundation for an artist deeply attuned to human emotion and the quiet dignity of everyday moments. Despite leaving formal education at eleven, a remarkable talent for drawing quickly surfaced, leading to scholarships that propelled him towards the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art in 1912. This pivotal period wasn’t merely about technical training; it was a transformative immersion into the burgeoning world of modern art, profoundly influenced by figures like Walter Sickert and Henry Tonks, while simultaneously challenging the established norms championed by Roger Fry.
The Slade's rejection of avant-garde movements – particularly Cubism – shaped Meninsky’s approach. He didn’t immediately embrace radical experimentation but instead developed a distinctive style characterized by evocative figures, poignant landscapes, and above all, his deeply moving ‘Mother and Child’ scenes. These works, imbued with a sense of melancholy and quiet strength, became the hallmark of his oeuvre. His time at the school fostered connections that would prove invaluable throughout his career, including a lifelong friendship with William Roberts and mentorship from Walter Sickert, who provided a crucial platform for his work.
World War I irrevocably altered Meninsky's trajectory. Enlisting in the Royal Fusiliers in 1918, he transitioned into a war artist under the British War Memorials Committee, documenting the realities of conflict with unflinching honesty and sensitivity. His wartime paintings – particularly ‘The Arrival of a Leave Train, Victoria Station’ – offer a powerful glimpse into the lives of returning soldiers, capturing their weariness, longing, and quiet resilience. These works weren't simply depictions of battle; they were intimate portraits of human experience amidst devastation. Meninsky’s commitment to this role extended beyond mere observation; he sought to convey the emotional weight of the war, reflecting a profound empathy for those affected by it.
Following the war, Meninsky continued his teaching career at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, nurturing a new generation of artists. His dedication to instruction was matched by an unwavering belief in the power of art to illuminate the human condition. His work during this period reflected a shift towards greater introspection, with a focus on domestic scenes and familial relationships – particularly his celebrated ‘Mother and Child’ series. These paintings, rendered in muted tones and imbued with a sense of quiet intimacy, became increasingly central to his artistic identity.
Meninsky's style is often described as Post-Impressionist, yet he developed a unique voice that transcended simple categorization. He absorbed the bold colors and expressive brushwork of artists like Cézanne and Van Gogh, but tempered them with a distinctly British sensibility. His landscapes are characterized by atmospheric perspective and a subtle use of color, while his figures possess a remarkable sense of realism combined with emotional depth. The influence of Walter Sickert is particularly evident in Meninsky’s use of light and shadow, as well as his ability to capture the mood and atmosphere of a scene.
The impact of his wartime experiences undoubtedly shaped his artistic vision. The trauma of war instilled in him a deep appreciation for the fragility of life and the importance of human connection. This sensitivity is powerfully conveyed in his ‘Mother and Child’ paintings, which are not merely sentimental depictions but rather profound meditations on motherhood, loss, and hope. His work stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to bear witness to history and explore the complexities of the human spirit.
Bernard Meninsky's legacy extends beyond his individual paintings. He was a significant figure in the London Group and contributed to the development of British modernism. His work continues to resonate with viewers today, offering a poignant reminder of the enduring power of art to capture the human experience. The Imperial War Museum holds a substantial collection of his wartime works, ensuring that his powerful depictions of conflict will continue to be studied and appreciated for generations to come. His dedication to teaching also left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of Britain, shaping the careers of countless aspiring artists.
