This charming mid-20th-century bust-length portrait by British artist Arthur Royce Bradbury (1892-1977) depicts a Sevillian lady wearing a fuschia blouse and purple hat, silk scarf and traditional red carnation.
Energetic, elegant, and confident. He describes her Spanish zeal with vigour. There’s patriotism with the red carnation displayed prominently - the head turned to reveal its vibrancy. It’s the national flower of Spain and symbolises deep affection while also referring to Christ’s passion.
Bradbury was a fascinating artist accustomed to travelling given his time in the military. When he produced this piece, in around 1960, he’d settled on the small peninsula of Sandbanks, Poole. Perhaps he undertook a sojourn to Andalusia to sample its rich heritage, food and culture. There’s joy in this portrayal.
Inscribed ‘Lady of Seville, A. Bradbury’ on the reverse. Held within a later frame.
Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 22” x 26” / 56cm x 66cm
Year of creation: c. 1950
Condition: Artwork presents well. Areas of craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £15,000
Arthur Royce (1892-1977) was an accomplished British painter and etcher of portraits, landscapes and marine scenes. He trained at St. John’s Wood School of Art and later enrolled at Royal Academy Schools. His works are held in numerous public collections.
Learn more about Arthur Royce Bradbury in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
