Signed Mid-Century British Surrealist Watercolour Death of Cleopatra Framed

Details

Description

Wenda Jerrum – Death of Cleopatra, c.1960 – Signed British Watercolour

Original Mid-Century Narrative Watercolour | Cleopatra VII | Professionally … Read more Wenda Jerrum – Death of Cleopatra, c.1960 – Signed British Watercolour

Original Mid-Century Narrative Watercolour | Cleopatra VII | Professionally Framed

Highlights

• Original signed watercolour by British artist Wenda Jerrum
• Dating to circa 1960
• Dramatic interpretation of the Death of Cleopatra
• Mid-century figurative composition with Surrealist-inflected imagery
• Mythological bird imagery suggestive of the Egyptian Bennu
• Signed “Wenda Jerrum” lower right
• Recently fitted Larson Juhl Canaletto frame
• Museum-grade AR70 protective glazing
• Formerly held by Grays & Sons Carlisle LTD
• Private UK collection provenance
• Professionally curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®
• Supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

Introduction

A dramatic and highly individual mid-century British watercolour depicting the legendary death of Cleopatra VII, signed by Wenda Jerrum and dating to circa 1960.

This compelling composition combines historical narrative with an imaginative and dreamlike visual language. Cleopatra occupies the centre of an elaborate theatrical scene, surrounded by dramatically gesturing figures whose elongated bodies, flowing garments and exaggerated movements give the work a distinctly Surrealist-inflected quality.

Particularly striking is the monumental winged bird incorporated into the composition. Its appearance invites comparison with the Bennu of ancient Egyptian mythology, a sacred bird associated with creation, renewal and rebirth and frequently linked with the later phoenix tradition.

Against the subject of Cleopatra’s death, the imagery introduces a fascinating symbolic contrast between mortality and renewal.

Catalogue Details

Artist: Wenda Jerrum
Title: Death of Cleopatra
Date: Circa 1960
Medium: Watercolour
Origin: United Kingdom
Subject: Cleopatra VII / Historical and mythological narrative
Style: Mid-century British figurative painting with Surrealist-inflected elements
Signature: Signed “Wenda Jerrum” lower right
Presentation: Professionally framed and ready to hang

Catalogue Note

The geometric chequered floor, unconventional spatial relationships and juxtaposition of cool blues and whites with golds, browns, pinks and blacks heighten the work’s dreamlike atmosphere.

The surrounding figures appear caught between movement and paralysis. Their theatrical gestures and elongated forms generate considerable narrative tension, while the enormous winged creature introduces a fantastical element that separates the composition from conventional historical illustration.

The bird’s apparent relationship to Bennu imagery is particularly appropriate to the subject. Associated with renewal and rebirth, it introduces the possibility of transformation at precisely the moment the composition confronts mortality.

The result is an unusually imaginative interpretation of Cleopatra’s final moments and an arresting example of British mid-century narrative painting.

**The Sitter**

Cleopatra VII Philopator (69–30 BCE), the final active ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt, remains one of antiquity’s most enduring historical figures.

Her political intelligence, alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and dramatic death have inspired painters, writers and dramatists for centuries.

Within Jerrum’s composition, Cleopatra assumes an almost archetypal presence, transforming the historical queen into a broader symbol of sovereignty, tragedy, mortality and self-determination.

The Artist

Wenda Jerrum is a comparatively little-documented British artist whose work displays an intriguing interest in figurative storytelling and imaginative narrative.

In “Death of Cleopatra”, fluid watercolour washes and expressive line are combined with theatrical gesture and symbolic imagery to produce an unusually ambitious historical composition.

The painting is clearly signed “Wenda Jerrum” at the lower right.

Given the limited published biographical record presently available for the artist, wider interpretations of Jerrum’s practice should remain appropriately cautious.

Provenance

Formerly held by Grays & Sons Carlisle LTD.

Recently sourced from a private UK collection.

Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Dimensions

Framed:

51 cm wide × 69 cm high × 3.5 cm deep

Approximately:

20.1 in wide × 27.2 in high × 1.4 in deep

Frame & Presentation

Professionally presented in a recently fitted Larson Juhl Canaletto moulded frame featuring a gold and pewter foil spray finish with an elegant spoon-profile design.

Protected behind museum-grade AR70 glazing.

Ready to hang.

Condition Report

Good overall condition commensurate with age.

Some minor foxing and staining are visible in places. The colours remain attractive and retain good visual strength.

The recently fitted Larson Juhl frame is in excellent condition, with no significant scratches or chips noted.

Please review the photographs carefully as part of the condition assessment.

Worldwide Shipping

Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe delivery.

International shipping is available.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.


Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

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