Edward Alexander Crowley (1875-1947) writer, mountaineer and occultist who pioneered guideless alpine accents. With Oscar Eckenstein, inventor of the crampon, Crowley was part of the first expedition up K2, in 1902. His interest in human intelligence morphed into an obsession with the occult. Considered by many to be a fraud, his behavior was often outrageous, a reputation Crowley encouraged.
Painted by Leon Engers-Kennedy 1902-1903.
#england #london #art #meditation (at National Portrait Gallery)