Catalogue

Thu 2nd Jul 2026: 24062026

Search

Go to lot

Category

Sort By

Per page

Jump To

Original oil on canvas, Signed and dated 'FVB 1974,

This 1974 surrealist work is a densely layered psychological landscape that utilizes architectural and historical motifs to explore the tension between power and vulnerability. By combining overt phallic symbolism with subtle references to the tragic history of Anne Boleyn, the artist creates a space where personal and historical trauma intersect.

Phallic Symbolism and the Tower of Power
The central verticality of the composition is anchored by a massive stone tower, a quintessential phallic symbol in surrealist vocabulary.
* The Architecture of Control: The tower's rigid, unyielding form represents the masculine ego and patriarchal authority. Its isolation atop a tiered platform mirrors the "ivory tower" of the mind—a place of both command and profound disconnection.
* The Windowless Fortress: With only a single, narrow slit for a window, the structure suggests a fortress designed for surveillance rather than connection, embodying the defensive posture of the ego against the "chaos" of the surrounding garden.

Anne Boleyn: The "Hidden" Queen and the Tower of London
The painting subtly encodes references to Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, whose life was defined by the very symbols present in this landscape:
* The Tower of London: For the viewer familiar with Tudor history, the central tower serves as a dual symbol: it is both the site of Anne’s coronation and her eventual imprisonment and execution. The dark, looming wall at the rear of the garden further reinforces this sense of a cloistered, captive space.
* The "Watching" Trees (Demonic Faces): The grotesque, demonic faces woven into the foliage of the trees evoke the atmosphere of courtly intrigue and the "many eyes" of the Tudor court. These faces symbolize the malicious gossip and accusations of witchcraft that ultimately led to Anne's downfall.
* The Apple and the Fall: The red fruit—historically linked to the fall of man—references the "temptress" narrative often used to vilify Anne. In this surrealist context, they act as the "eyes" of the trees, suggesting that the figure "Frederic" is being judged by a history he cannot see.
* Metamorphosis and the Butterfly: The prominent butterfly near the reclining figure symbolizes the fleeting nature of royal favour and the soul’s liberation through death—a poignant nod to Anne’s final moments of "transcendence" before her execution.
The Figure "Frederic" and the Fountain
The reclining figure, identified by the verso inscription as "Frederic" [Text on image], lies in a state of passive vulnerability at the base of the tower. Placed beside a bubbling fountain—a symbol of life and the fluid subconscious—the figure represents the delicate balance between life and the crushing weight of historical and architectural authority.
Technical Execution
The artist utilizes a specialized granular "beaded" texture across the surface, giving the painting an organic, almost vibrating quality. This technique ensures that the hidden faces in the trees only reveal themselves as the viewer’s perspective shifts, a deliberate choice that mirrors the shifting "truths" of history and the deceptive nature of appearances at court.

Dimensions with frame. 141.5cm x 116cm, canvas 127cm x 102.5cm.

Original oil on canvas, Signed and dated 'FVB 1974, This 1974 surrealist work is a densely layered psychological landscape that utilizes architectural and historical motifs to explore the tension between power and vulnerability. By combining overt phallic symbolism with subtle references to the tragic history of Anne Boleyn, the artist creates a space where personal and historical trauma intersect. Phallic Symbolism and the Tower of Power The central verticality of the composition is anchored by a massive stone tower, a quintessential phallic symbol in surrealist vocabulary. * The Architecture of Control: The tower's rigid, unyielding form represents the masculine ego and patriarchal authority. Its isolation atop a tiered platform mirrors the "ivory tower" of the mind—a place of both command and profound disconnection. * The Windowless Fortress: With only a single, narrow slit for a window, the structure suggests a fortress designed for surveillance rather than connection, embodying the defensive posture of the ego against the "chaos" of the surrounding garden. Anne Boleyn: The "Hidden" Queen and the Tower of London The painting subtly encodes references to Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, whose life was defined by the very symbols present in this landscape: * The Tower of London: For the viewer familiar with Tudor history, the central tower serves as a dual symbol: it is both the site of Anne’s coronation and her eventual imprisonment and execution. The dark, looming wall at the rear of the garden further reinforces this sense of a cloistered, captive space. * The "Watching" Trees (Demonic Faces): The grotesque, demonic faces woven into the foliage of the trees evoke the atmosphere of courtly intrigue and the "many eyes" of the Tudor court. These faces symbolize the malicious gossip and accusations of witchcraft that ultimately led to Anne's downfall. * The Apple and the Fall: The red fruit—historically linked to the fall of man—references the "temptress" narrative often used to vilify Anne. In this surrealist context, they act as the "eyes" of the trees, suggesting that the figure "Frederic" is being judged by a history he cannot see. * Metamorphosis and the Butterfly: The prominent butterfly near the reclining figure symbolizes the fleeting nature of royal favour and the soul’s liberation through death—a poignant nod to Anne’s final moments of "transcendence" before her execution. The Figure "Frederic" and the Fountain The reclining figure, identified by the verso inscription as "Frederic" [Text on image], lies in a state of passive vulnerability at the base of the tower. Placed beside a bubbling fountain—a symbol of life and the fluid subconscious—the figure represents the delicate balance between life and the crushing weight of historical and architectural authority. Technical Execution The artist utilizes a specialized granular "beaded" texture across the surface, giving the painting an organic, almost vibrating quality. This technique ensures that the hidden faces in the trees only reveal themselves as the viewer’s perspective shifts, a deliberate choice that mirrors the shifting "truths" of history and the deceptive nature of appearances at court. Dimensions with frame. 141.5cm x 116cm, canvas 127cm x 102.5cm.

Lot number: 1520

Est: £800 - £1,000

An unsigned Victorian watercolour village view, framing in need of restoration

An unsigned Victorian watercolour village view, framing in need of restoration

Lot number: 1521

Est: £50 - £80

An interesting framed etching study of working horses signed in pencil a framed watercolour sailing boats by a rocky coast lime signed WH Eark. and a 20th century Grand Tour souvenir plaque (3) NO RESERVE

An interesting framed etching study of working horses signed in pencil a framed watercolour sailing boats by a rocky coast lime signed WH Eark. and a 20th century Grand Tour souvenir plaque (3) NO RESERVE

Lot number: 1522

Est: £0 - £0

A portrait painting of Princess Maria consort to Fredrick, Prince of Hoefs, approx 27cm x 37cm. NO RESERVE

A portrait painting of Princess Maria consort to Fredrick, Prince of Hoefs, approx 27cm x 37cm. NO RESERVE

Lot number: 1523

Est: £0 - £0

A Framed Sergio Garcia, Masters Winner Of 2017 Signed Golfers Glove. Approx Size 36CM X 57CM. NO RESERVE

A Framed Sergio Garcia, Masters Winner Of 2017 Signed Golfers Glove. Approx Size 36CM X 57CM. NO RESERVE

Lot number: 1524

Est: £0 - £0

A framed oil on canvas painting signed B. Germaine , reproduction of "Meditation" (1885) by French Academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau, featuring a young girl with a yellow patterned headscarf. Frame dimensions 82x72cm picture 51x59cm

A framed oil on canvas painting signed B. Germaine , reproduction of "Meditation" (1885) by French Academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau, featuring a young girl with a yellow patterned headscarf. Frame dimensions 82x72cm picture 51x59cm

Lot number: 1525

Est: £80 - £100

Five framed Cecil Holman watercolours and engravings

Five framed Cecil Holman watercolours and engravings

Lot number: 1526

Est: £50 - £100

Hilary Schofield, 2 Rural cottage scene oil on canvas paintings. 104cm x 74cm / 85cm x 59cm.

Hilary Schofield, 2 Rural cottage scene oil on canvas paintings. 104cm x 74cm / 85cm x 59cm.

Lot number: 1527

Est: £200 - £300

A mix of framed prints and badges.

A mix of framed prints and badges.

Lot number: 1528

Est: £50 - £100

A Stiliana Alexieva triptic oil painting 2005 "Sunshine". Dimensions 30cm wide, 70cm tall, 70cm wide , 70cm tall.

A Stiliana Alexieva triptic oil painting 2005 "Sunshine". Dimensions 30cm wide, 70cm tall, 70cm wide , 70cm tall.

Lot number: 1529

Est: £100 - £150

A late Victorian watercolour of a rural cottage interior ,unsigned. Frame 79x64cm

A late Victorian watercolour of a rural cottage interior ,unsigned. Frame 79x64cm

Lot number: 1530

Est: £40 - £60

Frederick James ALDRIDGE, (1850-1933) to gilt framed and glazed watercolours on paper, titled A Dutch Creek, Shoreham 70cm x 54cm.

Frederick James ALDRIDGE, (1850-1933) to gilt framed and glazed watercolours on paper, titled A Dutch Creek, Shoreham 70cm x 54cm.

Lot number: 1531

Est: £50 - £100

Francis E. Jamieson, 1895 - 1950, two gilt framed oil on canvas paintings, Views of Scottish Highland and Lochs, 68cm x 48cm

Francis E. Jamieson, 1895 - 1950, two gilt framed oil on canvas paintings, Views of Scottish Highland and Lochs, 68cm x 48cm

Lot number: 1532

Est: £80 - £120

A framed and signed Queen Elizabeth II picture by Dorothy Wilding dated 1949 pre coronation. Frame size 42x54cm

A framed and signed Queen Elizabeth II picture by Dorothy Wilding dated 1949 pre coronation. Frame size 42x54cm

Lot number: 1533

Est: £100 - £150

Two J Roybal oil paintings , frame sizes 34x44 and 48x52cm

Two J Roybal oil paintings , frame sizes 34x44 and 48x52cm

Lot number: 1534

Est: £40 - £60

A collection of sketches by Jean Alexander (1911-1994) includes local scened, portraits, still life etc

A collection of sketches by Jean Alexander (1911-1994) includes local scened, portraits, still life etc

Lot number: 1535

Est: £60 - £100