Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Red Lacquer

Stanley Cursiter, 1922

Name Class Date
Stanley Cursiter, Red Lacquer (1922). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Stanley Cursiter topimpressionists.com/en/artists/stanley-cursiter/
Artist’s dates
1887 – 1976
Painted
1922
Medium
Oil
Original size
40 x 46 cm
Movement
Post-Impressionism Artists who kept the bright colour of Impressionism but pushed shape and feeling further than the eye really sees.
Period
Modern

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Stanley Cursiter died in 1976; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2046. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 23, 2026

Red Lacquer — Stanley Cursiter Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Red Lacquer — Stanley Cursiter

How big is it?

The original measures 40 × 46 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1880
  2. 1890
  3. 1900
  4. 1910
  5. 1920
  6. 1930
  7. 1940
  8. 1950
  9. 1960
  10. 1970

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 89 at death.

Painted when the artist was 35. The artist lived to 89. 11 of the 39 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Stanley Cursiter (1887–1976) ▲ this work, 1922 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1921 Main working years: 1921–1946 Late works: from 1946

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/stanley-cursiter-red-lacquer-AQSAUR-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Phthalo Green #1b1e1e

    Catalogued palette

    • #1B1E1E
    • #CD8B82
    • #BC302B
    • #713324

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Phthalo Green
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Deep_shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Stanley Cursiter over the last twelve months — 3 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 80.0%
    2. 2 United Kingdom 10.0%
    3. 3 United States of America 10.0%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 17 most looked-at works by Stanley Cursiter

    1. 1 Synthesis of the Supper Room at an Arts Club Reception, 1913 25.6%
    2. 2 The Regatta, 1913 20.9%
    3. 3 Stanley Cursiter (1887–1976), Artist, Self Portrait, Director of the National Galleries of Scotland, with his Wife Phyllis Eda Hourston, and his Model, Poppy Low, Chez Nous, 1925 7.0%
    4. 4 Rain on Princes Street, 1913 7.0%
    5. 5 Girl with a Jug, 1921 7.0%
    6. 6 Surf, 1937 4.7%
    7. 7 Dr Orlando Charnock Bradley (1871–1937), 1936 4.7%
    8. 8 Red Lacquer, 1922 this painting 2.3%
    9. 9 James Methuen Graham (1882–1962), FRCSEd (1907), 1947 2.3%
    10. 10 Margaret Baikie of Tankerness, 1946 2.3%
    11. 11 Twilight, 1914 2.3%
    12. 12 Seascape 2.3%
    13. 13 Sir Donald Pollock (1868–1962), 1941 2.3%
    14. 14 Roberta 2.3%
    15. 15 Study for Carving in St Rognvald's Chapel Rognvald Kali Colsson (recto) 2.3%
    16. 16 Eric Linklater (1899–1974), 1933 2.3%
    17. 17 Study for Carving in St Rognvald's Chapel Kol Kalisson (recto) 2.3%

    Together these works take 99.9% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 56 works by this artist, of which 17 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 8 of them, with 2.3% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 23, 2026

    Red Lacquer — Stanley Cursiter Part 2 · In context

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Stanley Cursiter

    Born in Kirkwall, United Kingdom

    Stanley Cursiter CBE: A Pioneer of Scottish Modernism

    Stanley Cursiter (1887–1976) stands as a pivotal figure in the artistic landscape of Scotland, bridging the gap between Impressionism and Futurism while establishing himself as a respected chronicler of Scottish life. Born in Kirkwall, Orkney—a region steeped in Norse heritage—Cursiter’s formative years instilled within him an appreciation for both tradition and innovation, influences that would profoundly shape his distinctive artistic vision. His early education at Kirkwall Grammar School provided a solid foundation before he pursued formal studies at Edinburgh College of Art, where he honed his skills and embraced the burgeoning avant-garde movements sweeping across Europe.

    Early Influences & Artistic Style

    Cursiter’s formative years were marked by exposure to groundbreaking artistic ideas. He absorbed the tenets of Cubism, Futurism, and Vorticism—movements that challenged conventional perspectives on representation and celebrated dynamism and speed. These influences are immediately apparent in his early paintings, characterized by fractured planes, bold colors, and a deliberate distortion of form. Notably, Cursiter’s access to considerable wealth from a young age allowed him to reside at 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh—a prestigious address reflecting the intellectual fervor of the era—and fostering an environment conducive to artistic experimentation. His stylistic evolution mirrored broader trends in European art, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

    Military Service & Photographic Innovation

    Cursiter’s involvement with the British Army during World War I proved transformative, not only personally but also professionally. Serving as an officer in 1st Battalion, The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), he witnessed firsthand the horrors of trench warfare and endured debilitating conditions—bronchitis and asthma exacerbated by the harsh realities of the front lines. Despite these challenges, Cursiter persevered, transferring to the 4th Field Ordnance Survey Battalion at 4th Army Headquarters and dedicating himself to advancing photographic techniques. His ingenious method of projecting photographic negatives—replicating the tilt present during image capture—revolutionized the rapid assessment of enemy fortifications, dramatically accelerating the process of pinpointing gun emplacements. This accomplishment underscored his intellectual curiosity and his ability to apply scientific principles to artistic endeavors. Furthermore, he became president of Edinburgh Radio Society, reflecting a broader engagement with technological developments of the time.

    National Gallery Leadership & Artistic Legacy

    Cursiter’s career ascended to prominence as Keeper of the National Galleries of Scotland (1919–1930) and subsequently Director (1930–1948), roles during which he championed Scottish art and fostered a vibrant artistic community. He skillfully navigated the complexities of institutional governance while simultaneously nurturing talent and promoting critical engagement with visual culture. His tenure coincided with significant advancements in photographic technology, highlighting his foresight and adaptability. As HM Limner and Painter in Scotland (1948–1976), Cursiter continued to document Scottish life and landscape, producing evocative depictions that captured the spirit of a nation undergoing profound social change. He was recognized for his contributions to Scottish art history and celebrated as an enduring symbol of artistic excellence.

    Notable Works & Recognition

    Cursiter’s oeuvre encompasses a diverse range of subjects—portraits capturing the dignity of individuals and landscapes reflecting the beauty of Orkney's dramatic scenery—each infused with his distinctive stylistic signature. Pieces like “An Orkney Farm” exemplify his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to convey emotion through subtle tonal variations. Similarly, "Stanley Cursiter (1887–1976), Artist, Self Portrait, Director of the National Galleries of Scotland, with his Wife Phyllis Eda Hourston, and his Model, Poppy Low, Chez Nous" offers a glimpse into his personal life alongside his artistic pursuits. His work has been exhibited internationally and remains treasured for its aesthetic merit and historical significance. He was awarded an OBE for his service during World War II and received numerous accolades recognizing his dedication to Scottish art and culture.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Red Lacquer

    topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/stanley-cursiter-red-lacquer-AQSAUR-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Cursiter, Stanley. Red Lacquer. 1922, https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/stanley-cursiter-red-lacquer-AQSAUR-en/
    APA
    Cursiter, Stanley (1922). Red Lacquer [Painting]. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/stanley-cursiter-red-lacquer-AQSAUR-en/
    Chicago
    Stanley Cursiter. Red Lacquer. 1922. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/stanley-cursiter-red-lacquer-AQSAUR-en/
    Harvard
    Cursiter, Stanley (1922) Red Lacquer. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/stanley-cursiter-red-lacquer-AQSAUR-en/

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 23, 2026

    Red Lacquer — Stanley Cursiter Part 3 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Red Lacquer — Stanley Cursiter

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: still life, red bowls, lacquerware. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Black, White and Silver (1921), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Post-Impressionism: Artists who kept the bright colour of Impressionism but pushed shape and feeling further than the eye really sees. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 23, 2026

    Red Lacquer — Stanley Cursiter Part 4 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    What are the medium and dimensions of "Red Lacquer" by Stanley Cursiter?

    The original "Red Lacquer" by Stanley Cursiter is an oil work measuring 40 x 46 cm. Technique and size describe the original object.

    What is "Red Lacquer" about?

    The subjects of "Red Lacquer" are still life, red bowls, lacquerware, wooden tray, red color, everyday objects.

    Is a high-resolution download of "Red Lacquer" available?

    A digital image of "Red Lacquer" by Stanley Cursiter can be purchased on its Digital Image page: a high-resolution digital image download.