Theodore Bruce

LUCKY FIND A LITTLE GOLDMINE

A watercolour painting by Dorrit Black bought at a charity shop in Burnside, South Australia, for $10 is among a number of notable paintings to be auctioned by Theodore Bruce in its Spring Art Auction, 24 September at 6.00 pm.

Managing Director of Theodore Bruce Auctions, James Bruce, says that the lucky find is expected to realise between $4,000 and $6,000 in the forthcoming auction.

The painting, entitled by Mr Bruce as The Adoration of Christ by the Children, depicts the Virgin Mary in a manger setting holding a well fed baby boy and surrounded by three children.

“Research has led us to believe that the painting, painted 1938/39, has as its subject one of the twins, either Robert or Andrew Black, held by their mother who was dressed as the Virgin Mary, being admired by siblings Bets (12), Nan (10) and Barry (7),” said Mr Bruce.

The family group may be associated with the Craws family, as Dorrit had visited the Craws in late 1938. However, the depiction of the children matching the ages of Bets, Nan and Barry, has James believing that the Christian Scientist, Dorrit Black, had an epiphany and captured the idyllic moment.

The watercolour and pencil is signed Dorrit Black lower right and measures 41 x 29 cm.

For further enquiries contact James Bruce, 0417 834 455, [email protected]