watercolour, gouache, brush and ink over black chalk
Measurements
(68.0 × 63.3 cm) (image)
Inscription
inscribed in brush and ink (in image) l.l.: GWEN BARRINGER. paper label adhered to back of frame u.r.: Label D (blocked out / stamped over) B / S.A. SOCIETY OF ARTS EXHIBITION / Title of picture "Hydrangeas" / Artist Gwen Barringer. / Address Walkerville. / Price, £ (£ crossed out) 45. Guineas / No. 2. / Date April 6th 1929. paper label adhered to back of frame l.r.: BAYLY & SPE_RS / ART DEALERS / AND / PICTURE FRAMERS / PHONE 3258 / (...illeg.) ST ADELAIDE
This large watercolour depicts a vase of purple/blue hydrangeas in front of a wall covered with decorative wallpaper. The bench is littered with petals and beside the vase are a number of small 'oriental' porcelain figures and an empty bowl. Light and reflection play a major part in this composition, with the porcelain figures and window opposite reflected in the body of the main vase. Hydrangeas is framed in a period plater frame.