UNTITLED

While Madge Gill (1882-1961) endured many tragedies during her lifetime, her spirituality empowered her to persevere and eventually become one of England's most renowned self-taught artists. Born illegitimately to a single mother, as a child Gill was transferred between homes, lived in an orphanage and later worked as an indentured servant. She was introduced to spiritualism while living with an aunt, though its impact did not take effect until later in life. In 1907, she married her cousin, Thomas Gill. Only two of their four children survived.

Following the death of her last child in 1919, Gill became deeply spiritual in an effort to contact her dead children. She was guided by the spirit Myrninnerest, who she channeled through various forms of art. She began drawing with great vigor and her artistic career abruptly commenced. Gill’s oeuvre comprises intricate scenes of whimsical and geometric patterns. Her persistent application of line and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and space, often resembling architectural designs. Having no previous drawing experience, her compositions are remarkably complex.

The present lot embodies Madge Gill’s ability to create ethereal, dynamic scenes through her spiritual directive. Her meticulous use of line, with variations in cross-hatching, forms an energetic composition. This dense, involuted scene exhibits the force and passion with which Gill created her compositions.