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Lot Essay
The present pair of watercolours appear to relate to a series of works on vellum that Margaret executed from 1909 onwards. The Mysterious Garden, 1911 (private collection), contains similar masque-like faces in the background comparable to the present work both in colour and style. The watercolours contain the decorative and atmospheric qualities of Margaret's earlier works and epitomise her ability to execute boldly delineated compositions.
The meaning behind these watercolours is unclear, Margaret was greatly influenced by the Belgian Symbolist and playwright, Maurice Maeterlinck and it is possible that the compositions of Girl with eyes open and Girl with eyes shut as well as The Mysterious Garden are inspired by his writings.
These watercolours were produced at a time when Margaret's output, never large, began to decline. Only a few watercolours and oils were executed after this date.
The meaning behind these watercolours is unclear, Margaret was greatly influenced by the Belgian Symbolist and playwright, Maurice Maeterlinck and it is possible that the compositions of Girl with eyes open and Girl with eyes shut as well as The Mysterious Garden are inspired by his writings.
These watercolours were produced at a time when Margaret's output, never large, began to decline. Only a few watercolours and oils were executed after this date.