Mid-Century British Surrealist Watercolor – "Death of Cleopatra" by Wenda Jerrum (c.1960) – Symbolist Egyptian Mythology – Framed Narrative Art About This Piece: Step into a visually charged and emotionally complex interpretation of history and myth with this original mid-century Surrealist watercolor painting, "Death of Cleopatra", by British artist Wenda Jerrum, circa 1960. This rare and collectible work offers a unique blend of narrative surrealism, symbolic abstraction, and psychological storytelling—a hallmark of Jerrum's emerging recognition among collectors of British female surrealists. Artistic Highlights: Wenda Jerrum’s vision transforms the final moments of Cleopatra VII into a surreal dreamscape: Cleopatra, both queen and archetype, is captured mid-action, holding a poison dagger in a suspended, trance-like pose. Surrounding her: Figures that blur the line between historical characters and psychological states—fear, defiance, resignation, and cosmic transition. A towering Bennu bird (Egyptian Phoenix) looms, rendered with exaggerated scale and dramatic wing spread—a direct Surrealist metaphor for death, rebirth, and mythic transformation. Surrealist Elements Include: Distorted Space & Form: Figures twist unnaturally, held in dreamlike paralysis. Color Symbolism: Cool Blues & Whites: Detachment, mourning Rich Golds & Browns: Spiritual transformation Pinks & Blacks: Passion, vulnerability, human frailty Geometric Checkered Floor: Adds a sense of optical disorientation—playing with the viewer’s spatial perception. Jerrum’s layered washes and expressive linework heighten the emotional charge, making this more than historical illustration—it’s a psychological meditation on fate and choice. About the Artist – Wenda Jerrum: While not widely known, Wenda Jerrum is gaining collector attention for her emotionally driven narrative surrealism. Her work is characterized by: Mythic storytelling Emotionally loaded figuration Surrealist distortion woven into historical scenes This piece is signed lower right Framing Details: Professionally framed in a Larson Juhl Canaletto moulded frame with a gold and pewter foil finish and spoon profile design—elegantly complementing the artwork’s tonal drama. Ready to hang Provenance: From a Private UK Collection Formerly held by Grays & Sons, Carlisle LTD Now offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD Why You’ll Love It: Rare, emotionally charged mid-century British Surrealist narrative piece Collectible example of female British surrealism Striking visual presence with strong storytelling energy Professionally framed and ready for immediate display Growing market interest in mid-century female surrealists