Lot 174
  • 174

Gill, Eric

Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
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Description

  • Gill, Eric
  • Crucified Saint: St Wilgefortis

Catalogue Note

titled and dated July 19
pencil and watercolour; executed on the reverse on an envelope addressed to Gill at Ditchling Common
21 by 10cm.; 8¼ by 4in.
Executed in 1922.

Wilgefortis is one of the most celebrated of the minor saints and was the daughter of a Portuguese King. When he wanted her to marry the son of the King of Sicily, she objected and prayed to God that she be made so ugly that the match would fail. She woke up with a full beard, and her father, enraged, had her crucified. She became the centre of a large and vigorous cult in the 15th Century.

PROVENANCE

The Piccadilly Gallery, London, where acquired by Mr. Barnabas McHenry, 30th January 2002
The McHenry Collection