Augustus John (1878-1961) was a Welsh painter and draughtsman who was associated with the Post-Impressionist movement. He is best known for his portraits, which captured the personalities of his sitters with sensitivity and vividness. John was a versatile artist who worked in a variety of mediums, including oil, watercolor, and charcoal.

John studied at the Slade School of Art in London and later traveled extensively throughout Europe, where he was exposed to a variety of artistic styles. He was particularly influenced by the work of Gauguin and Cézanne. John's portraits often emphasized the physical characteristics of his subjects, but he also imbued his works with a sense of psychological depth.

John's career was marked by a series of high-profile commissions, including portraits of famous figures such as T.E. Lawrence, Dylan Thomas, and W.B. Yeats. He was also a prolific illustrator, producing numerous sketches and drawings for books and magazines.

Despite his success, John was known for his unconventional personal life. He had a reputation as a ladies' man and was known to have had numerous affairs throughout his life. He was also a heavy drinker and suffered from financial difficulties throughout his career. Nevertheless, his artistic legacy remains significant, and his portraits are celebrated for their insight and skillful execution.