The Rug Seller, Treboul

Christopher Wood (1901 - 1930)

National Museum Cardiff

1930

This is one of Christopher Wood's largest and last works, painted shortly before his early and tragic death. His direct, naïve style captured a romantic, spiritual quality in the landscape and people of Cornwall and Brittany and their shared Celtic culture. This work was painted during Wood's second visit to Brittany. Following the advice of Cedric Morris, he stayed in the tiny fishing village of Tréboul where he was excited by the simplicity of the fishing community and the mysteries of its rugged landscape. This painting depicts the exotic figure of an African rug seller selling his wares in Tréboul's village square surrounded by villagers in traditional costume. This work was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.

• Medium: oil on board
• Dimensions: 64 x 81.2cm
• Art Fund Grant: £50000 ( Total: £190,000)
• ArtFunded in: 2011
• Vendor: Brecknock Museum Art Trust

Provenance

Peter Watson; Redfern Gallery; John Gibbs; by descent to William Gibbs; given to the Brecknock Museum Art Trust, 2009; Christie's, 2010 (unsold).

Add your comments about this artwork Hide this form

Have your say