The Enchanted Grotto, Circa 1915 By Mark Lancelot Symons (1887-1935)

The Enchanted Grotto, circa 1915

By Mark Lancelot Symons (1887-1935)

Large Pre-Raphaelite scene of an enchanted grotto, circa 1915, oil on canvas by Mark Lancelot Symons. Excellent quality and condition. This large scene depicts a young archer and fairies at the entrance to a cave. Signed lower left "Mark" and presented in a gilded frame.

Provenance:

Acquired at a private sale circa 2000, then passed down through descent, London.

Dimensions: 132 x 94 cm

Artist biography

Born in Hampstead, London, he grew up in Sussex in an Orthodox Catholic family. His family frequented artistic circles and counted Whistler, John Singer Sargent and Hercules Brabazon among their friends. Inspired by Symbolism and the Pre-Raphaelites, Symons studied at the Slade School of Fine Art from 1905 to 1909. After completing his artistic training, he devoted himself to his true passion and joined a Carthusian order, painting sporadically. It wasn't until 1924 that he turned fully to painting, exhibiting at the Royal Academy from 1927 until his death.

He also exhibited at the Goupil Gallery, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, the London Salon and the New English Art Club. Many outstanding works of his are held at the Bury Art Gallery, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Newport Museum and Art Gallery, Reading Art Gallery and UCL Art Museum.