bbc.com
Cedric Morris Painting Sells for £162,500
A two-sided painting by Cedric Morris, founder of the East Anglian School of Painting & Drawing, sold for £162,500 at a Cheffins auction on Thursday, exceeding expectations by more than double. The oil on canvas, depicting a floral landscape and art school outbuildings, was a gift from Morris to student Bettina Shaw-Lawrence and had never previously been sold.
- What factors contributed to the unexpectedly high sale price of Cedric Morris's two-sided painting?
- A two-sided painting by renowned East Anglian artist Cedric Morris sold for £162,500, more than double its estimated value. The artwork, never before sold publicly, was gifted by Morris to his student Bettina Shaw-Lawrence in the 1930s. A London-based bidder purchased the piece.
- What are the potential long-term implications of this sale for the valuation of other works by Cedric Morris and his contemporaries?
- This sale highlights the increasing value of works by East Anglian artists, particularly those with strong provenance. The high price suggests continued growth in the market for modern British art, potentially influencing future valuations of similar works. The dual-sided nature of the piece adds to its rarity and appeal.
- How does this auction reflect the current market value for post-modern British art, particularly works from the East Anglian School of Painting & Drawing?
- The high sale price reflects Cedric Morris's enduring popularity among collectors. The painting's provenance—a direct gift from the artist to a student—and its unique dual-sided nature contributed to its value. The auction marked the first time this specific piece was available on the open market.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story primarily around the financial success of the auction. The headline emphasizes the high sale price, setting the tone for the narrative. The focus on the 'continued popularity' and 'enviable provenance' further reinforces the financial aspect, potentially overshadowing the artistic significance of the work.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and celebratory, employing terms like "excellent result," "wonderful still-life pictures," and "enviable provenance." While not explicitly biased, the overwhelmingly positive tone could be considered implicitly favorable to the painting and its sellers. More neutral language could be used, such as 'strong result', 'paintings of the period' and 'provenance'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the auction and the artist's popularity, but omits information about the artistic merit of the painting itself beyond general positive descriptors. There is no critical analysis of the artwork's style, composition, or significance within Morris's oeuvre. The omission of art-critical perspectives limits the reader's ability to form a complete understanding of the painting's value beyond its monetary worth.
Sustainable Development Goals
The sale of the painting for over double its estimated value signifies the potential for art to contribute to economic growth and alleviate poverty, particularly for the family selling the artwork. The increased value reflects the artist's lasting legacy and market demand, suggesting potential economic benefits for those involved in the art world and related industries.