Original Signed Mid-Century Surrealist Painting The Death Of Cleopatra

Original Signed Mid-Century Surrealist Watercolour – “The Death of Cleopatra” by Wenda Jerrum (c.1960) | British Narrative Surrealism with Egyptian Symbolism

Subject & Medium
Presenting an original Surrealist watercolour painting titled “The Death of Cleopatra” by British artist Wenda Jerrum, created circa 1960s.
This rare and compelling piece is a striking example of mid-century British narrative surrealism—blending myth, history, dreamlike distortion, and emotional intensity into one captivating composition.

Composition & Technique – Surrealist Vision
Though composed as a historical scene, Jerrum’s Surrealist approach is quickly revealed through psychological symbolism, elongated forms, and mythic abstractions.

At its center, Cleopatra is portrayed mid-movement, poised with a raised dagger—her gaze distant and detached. Her figure becomes symbolic, more archetype than individual.

Surrounding her are swirling figures: maidens recoiling in theatrical stillness, and a muscular figure grappling with the imposing wings of the Bennu bird (Egyptian Phoenix)—a symbolic embodiment of death and cosmic rebirth.

Key Surrealist Elements:

Distorted Spatial Reality: Figures stretch and float as if suspended in dream logic.
Symbolic Juxtaposition: Cleopatra’s realism contrasts with mythical exaggeration—the oversized Bennu, expressive postures, surreal staging.
Psychological Drama: Figures are frozen between action and paralysis, conveying internal struggle.
Colour Symbolism:
Cool blues and whites: detachment, grief
Golds and browns: transformation, spirituality
Pinks and blacks: passion, human fragility
Geometric checkered floor: artificial space and dreamlike unreality
Jerrum’s use of fluid linework, layered washes, and purposeful distortion transforms the moment into something deeply symbolic—a dreamlike reimagining of Cleopatra’s final act.

About the Sitter – Cleopatra as Archetype
Cleopatra VII (69–30 BCE) remains one of history’s most enigmatic women. Here, she is not merely a queen, but a mythic figure—a Surrealist muse embodying power, seduction, and mortality.
Her death becomes a metaphor for self-determination, internal division, and symbolic rebirth. The surrounding figures might just as well represent fractured aspects of her psyche as actual people.

About the Artist – Wenda Jerrum
Wenda Jerrum is an emerging figure of interest among collectors of mid-century British Surrealism and female artists. Her work is characterised by:

Emotionally resonant figuration
Symbolic layering within historical narratives
A distinctive narrative Surrealist voice
The painting is signed by the artist in the lower right corner: “Wenda Jerrum”, verifying its originality.

Frame & Presentation
The work is professionally mounted in a recent Larson Juhl Canaletto frame—moulded with a gold and pewter foil spray finish and spoon profile design. Fitted with museum-grade AR70 anti-reflective glass for enhanced protection and clarity.

Framed Dimensions: 69 cm (H) x 51 cm (W) x 3.5 cm (D)
Ready to hang
Provenance

Private UK Collection
Formerly held by Grays & Sons Carlisle LTD
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Why You’ll Love It

Emotionally Powerful: A bold Surrealist interpretation of Cleopatra’s last moments—visually dramatic and psychologically rich
Rare Collectible: Scarce example of British mid-century narrative Surrealism by a female artist
Investment Appeal: Rising interest in overlooked women artists from this period adds long-term value
Conversation Starter: A compelling and striking work for collectors of Surrealism, Egyptian themes, or historical art
Professionally Framed: Ready for display in a premium Larson Juhl frame
Condition Report

Artwork: Good vintage condition with minor foxing in areas; colours remain strong and well preserved
Frame: Excellent, recently fitted, with no major marks or defects; museum-grade glazing is clean and scratch-free
Worldwide Shipping Available
Expertly packed and fully insured for safe delivery worldwide.

Buy It Now
Add this haunting and masterful mid-century Surrealist work to your collection today.

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