Muriel G. Wilson (1893-1977) - Mid 20th Century Mixed Media Portrait of a Dancer

Description

A fine vibrant portrait in acrylic by the listed artist Muriel Gertrude Wilson (1893-1977), depicting a dancer wearing a studded jacket, and a flowing striped dress. The composition and palette is particularly striking, indicating the profound influence of French Modernism on the artist, from her time spent in Paris during the early 20th Century. The loose, expressionistic brushwork contrasts with more controlled line and facial form. In this vivid setting, the work has a distinct sense of movement and immediacy,but without drama. Signed to the lower right corner, as shown. On thick wove. Signed.

Condition

In very good condition overall. There are some minor surface abrasions, and some stable tiny cracks to the paint in some areas.

Size

62.6 x 47.5cm (24.6" x 18.7")
Sheet: 72.2 x 52.6cm (28.4" x 20.7")

Artist Biography

Muriel G. Wilson (1893-1977) was a painter, born Muriel Gertrude Samuelson in Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire. She appears to have been a largely self-taught artist. In 1915 she married Bassett Fitzgerald Wilson who was then serving as an officer in the Army. Following a severe injury, he was recommended art therapy, and discovered a talent for painting and soon began exhibiting his work. Her husband’s new interest in art may have encouraged Muriel Wilson to take up painting. She discovered that she too had a similar aptitude and in 1921 the couple held a joint exhibition at Walkers Gallery in London. It is somewhat uncertain where exactly Muriel G. Wilson subsequently exhibited as there were two artists called Muriel Wilson exhibiting in Britain at this time.

What is known is that Muriel G. Wilson was a frequent exhibitor at Walker's Gallery in London and Murial G. Wilson is listed as an exhibitor at the Society of Women Artists. A painting by her entitled 'Cape Gooseberries' is illustrated in Drawing & Design October 1921 and a painting entitled 'Summer Flowers' is illustrated in Drawing & Design, January 1922. In 1930 a joint exhibition by Bassett and Muriel G. Wilson was staged at the Knoedler & Co. Gallery in New York City. The previous year they had left their home in Knightsbridge, London and relocated in Montparnasse, Paris. Over the next decade, the pair eagerly embraced the Paris Modernist School and by 1933 both were exhibiting at the Paris Salon. Much of Muriel G. Wilson’s work was destroyed during the war and she and her husband returned to England.