Anti-Portraits Exhibiting the Fragility and Variability of Subjectivity: Henry Tonks

Abstract

This article deals with the diagrams and portraits drawn by artist Henry Tonks, who became famous for his surgical identity as well as his artist identity during the First World War. While examining these portraits and diagrams, first of all, the subjectivity of art, its disappearance, subject and object relations were mentioned. The extent to which these works, which are beyond the traditional understanding of portraiture and are likely to be considered as anti-portraits apart from their purpose, shock the audience has been examined. In addition to these, the life of Henry Tonks is mentioned and the importance of fragmented identities in the field of surgery and art is included. The article employs qualitative research methods and includes analyses conducted through sample images. The aim of the article is to examine the interior of Henry Tonks' portraits and to what extent these portraits have the possibility to change the subjectivity on people.