3741 - Gill, Madge

Gill, Madge (1882, Walthamstow – East Ham, 1961). 4 ink drawings on sturdy paper, first half of the 20th century. Each approx. 8.5 x 13.5 cm. Mounted on cardboard and framed. British painter and a leading figure in Art Brut. — During a near-fatal illness in which she lost her right eye, Madge Gill began drawing—inspired by a spirit she called “Myrninerest.” For nearly 40 years, she was creative as a medium under the influence of this spirit. She drew in ink on large rolls of paper and on small, postcard-like pieces of cardboard. Many of her works depict women with delicate faces (self-portraits?), with elaborate hairstyles and hats in the turn-of-the-century style, as well as “architectural landscapes” featuring lines, hatching, and geometric patterns. — From an extensive collection bequeathed by the artist.