Art Funded by you

Fortune Tellers

Edward Burra, 1929–1931

© Estate of the artist c/o Lefevre, London

Burra was preoccupied with the low life of Mediterranean ports and visits to the continent introduced him to the mix of French, Arab, and Negro people who populatef his work from the mid-1920s onwards. Burra was fascinated with skulls and skeletons and often used dice and card players in his works. These are not mere cafe games; they suggest a far more sinister meaning. All these elements are combined within an exotic Moorish setting in this work - a visual catalogue of Burra's preoccupations during this period.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Fortune Tellers, 1929–1931

Date supported

1996

Medium and material

Watercolour & gouache

Dimensions

56 x 76 cm

Grant

11102

Total cost

44410

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

Art Funded by you FAQs

Why is this object record marked 'archive'?
Where can I see this work of art? Is it on display?
What is Art Fund's purpose?
How is Art Fund funded?
What type of funding do you offer?
What does the acquisition grants programme support and who can apply?
How many works of art has Art Fund helped museums to acquire?
I’m a curator/researcher/arts professional and would like to find out more about this work, how do I get in touch?
I’m a journalist and would like to contact Art Fund about this work, how do I get in touch?
I would like to donate a work of art to a museum. What do I need to do?
I'd like to leave a gift to Art Fund in my will. How can I do this?

Contact us

If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.