Myrtle the Serpent Lady
Mixed media drawing and collage on paper, oval format • Attributed to an outsider or visionary folk artist
Style & Movement
Outsider Art / Visionary Art / Folk Art
Medium & Technique
Ink, watercolor, and colored pencil drawing with intricate pattern work, fine cross-hatching, and stylized line drawing
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century (c. 1960s-1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated approximately 24 x 18 inches, oval portrait format within a wooden frame
Subject Description
The artwork depicts a fantastical female circus or sideshow performer, explicitly labeled 'Myrtle the Serpent Lady' on the left side. She has multiple arms and is wrapped by a white serpent, wearing an elaborately patterned Victorian-style theatrical costume with detailed lace-like motifs and decorative headwear against a patterned background divided into geometric texture zones.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition; paper appears stable with minor surface dust and natural aging, framed under glass
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,000
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a regional folk art collection, antique market, or specialized outsider art dealer; specific prior private ownership is currently unknown
Art Historical Significance
Represents the rich tradition of twentieth-century American and international outsider art, specifically drawing inspiration from historical sideshow iconography and popular entertainment culture rendered through obsessive, intricate personal vision
Notable Features
The piece features distinct hand-lettered text reading 'MYRTLE the Serpent Lady', highly detailed pen-and-ink patterning on the costume and background, and a rare theatrical sideshow subject matter executed in a deeply personal visionary style
Condition Issues
Minor toning of the paper consistent with age, potential acidification from backing materials, and frame wear
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of watercolor and colored pencil pigments; archival reframing with acid-free matting and UV-filtering acrylic or glass is recommended