Eine kleine Nachtmusik

Dorothea Tanning (1910-2012)

Tate Collection

1943

A giant sunflower has found its way into a seedy hotel corridor and lies beside its broken stem. Two of its petals are on the stairs and a third is held by a doll dressed in tattered garments leaning against a door. Nearby stands a girl, whose hair flies upwards as though struck by a violent gust of wind. According to the artist, the sunflower represents the 'never-ending battle we wage with unknown forces'.

• Medium: oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 40.7 x 61cm
• Art Fund Grant: £59379 ( Total: £156,250; Export stopped)
• ArtFunded in: 1997
• Vendor: Mayor Gallery

Provenance

Acquired from the artist by Sir Roland Penrose in Sept 1946. By descent to present owner, Anthony Penrose via Mayor Gallery.

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