The Muse (or Autumnal Muse)
Painting on canvas • Eileen Agar (British, 1899–1991)
Style & Movement
Surrealism / British Modernism with influences of Cubism.
Medium & Technique
Oil and mixed media on canvas, featuring flat application of color, geometric patterning, and surrealist collage-like composition.
Creation Period
Circa 1930s-1940s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 60 x 50 cm; Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A semi-abstracted female figure (the Muse) integrated into a dense, kaleidoscopic landscape. The composition uses geometric fragments, stripes, and star motifs to bridge the gap between portraiture and landscape. It explores themes of identity, subconscious intuition, and the intersection of natural forms with geometric abstraction.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (Based on visual examination of the digital image); colors appear vibrant, though surfaces from this period often show stable craquelure.
Estimated Market Value
£15,000 - £35,000
Auction Estimate
£12,000 - £25,000
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a British gallery or private collection specializing in the London Group or Surrealist circles. Agar's works frequently appeared in major UK institutions such as the Tate or through Redfern Gallery.
Art Historical Significance
Agar was a pivotal figure in the British Surrealist movement and the only woman included in the 1936 International Surrealist Exhibition in London. This work demonstrates her unique ability to fuse biological forms with structured, classical motifs, marking her contribution to the 'feminine' surrealist aesthetic.
Notable Features
Heavy use of rhythmic patterning/striping and the inclusion of a 'third eye' or celestial star motif on the left profile, which is a recurring element in Agar's exploration of perception.
Condition Issues
Possible surface dirt, minor yellowing of varnish, and potential edge wear corresponding to age. No major losses visible.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning if surface grime is present; assessment for UV-protective glazing and climate-controlled display (20°C, 50% RH) to prevent further aging of the canvas.
Collector Notes
Eileen Agar