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Surrealist Painting Death of Cleopatra

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Original Signed Mid-Century Surrealist Watercolour – “Death of Cleopatra” by Wenda Jerrum (c.1960)
British Narrative Surrealism | Egyptian Mythology | Professionally Framed

Subject & Medium
Offered is an original Surrealist watercolour painting titled “Death of Cleopatra”, created circa 1960 by British artist Wenda Jerrum. This rare and visually striking piece exemplifies mid-century British narrative surrealism, fusing mythology, emotional storytelling, and dreamlike distortion.

Composition & Technique – A Surrealist Vision
While the scene initially presents as a dramatic historical tableau, Jerrum’s Surrealist sensibility becomes quickly evident through symbolic distortion, theatrical body language, and psychological tension.

At the heart of the work stands Cleopatra—part monarch, part mythic archetype—poised with a poisoned dagger, her gaze distant and introspective. Surrounding her is a dreamlike arrangement of figures: handmaidens captured in frozen recoil, and a muscular figure in blue and gold wrestling with the outspread wings of the Bennu bird, the Egyptian phoenix—a surreal metaphor for death and rebirth.

Notable Surrealist Features:

Distorted Space: Figures appear suspended in a warped, unnatural flow—evocative of dream logic.
Symbolic Juxtaposition: Cleopatra’s historical realism is layered with fantastical elements, such as the oversized Bennu bird and exaggerated gestures.
Emotional Symbolism: Psychological states—mourning, passion, resignation—are conveyed through both posture and bold colour symbolism.
Colour Palette:

Cool blues and whites: Emotional distance, mourning
Rich golds and earth tones: Spiritual transition
Deep pinks and blacks: Intensity, human vulnerability
Geometric flooring: A checkered surface adds artificial depth and surreal disorientation
The artist’s fluid linework and translucent washes create an expressive, symbolic reinterpretation of Cleopatra’s final moments, making this a work of psychological and visual complexity—far more than mere historical illustration.

Cleopatra as Surrealist Muse
Cleopatra VII (69 BCE – 30 BCE), one of the most mythologised figures in history, is here reimagined not just as a queen but as an archetype of feminine power, sexuality, and agency. Jerrum’s portrayal blurs the line between historical narrative and internal landscape—the surrounding characters perhaps representing states of mind as much as attendants or observers.

About the Artist – Wenda Jerrum
Though still under-recognised in the broader art historical canon, Wenda Jerrum is emerging as a noteworthy name among collectors of British narrative surrealism, particularly those focused on mid-century female voices in art.

Her work is defined by:

Mythological and historical reimagining
Emotionally charged figuration
Symbolic Surrealist elements integrated into narrative scenes
This painting is hand-signed in the bottom right: “Wenda Jerrum”, confirming its originality.

Framing & Presentation
Professionally presented in a recently fitted Larson Juhl Canaletto frame. The gold and pewter foil finish and spoon-profile moulding were chosen to complement the dramatic palette and tone of the artwork. Glazed with museum-grade AR70 anti-reflective glass for optimal viewing and conservation.


Provenance

From a private UK collection
Previously held by Grays & Sons, Carlisle
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Why This Piece Stands Out

A rare and emotionally powerful example of British Surrealism
A compelling reinterpretation of Cleopatra’s mythic demise
Highly collectible for lovers of Surrealist art, mythological themes, and female mid-century artists
Striking visual presence and narrative depth
Professionally framed and ready for immediate display
Increasing collector interest in British women surrealists makes this an astute acquisition

Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured to ensure safe transit.

To Purchase or Enquire
Please get in touch with any questions about this piece.
We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.

Registered Office Address

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ

Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775


Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
Price
£8000.00  UK
$10875.20  USA
9241.60  EU
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Shipping information
We offer Free Delivery to Mainland England, Wales mainland & Scottish lowlands mainland areas only!
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.


Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.

Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.

Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.

Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
Terms and conditions
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.

If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.

Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.

Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.

Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.

Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
DimensionsDimensions: Framed: 69 cm (Height) x 51 cm (Width) x 3.5 cm (Depth) Ready to hang. Category Antique Pictures / Engravings / Art > Antique Watercolours Date 1960's  1960s Antiques Origin English Condition Condition Report Artwork Good overall with minor foxing in places. Colours remain vibrant and stable. Frame Excellent condition with no notable flaws. Glazing is clean and scratch-free. Item code as1013a1227 Status For Sale

SellerCheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

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Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd


Cheshire Antiques Consultant LtdPrivate dealer, by appointment only.
71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England
WC2H 9JQ.

Tel : 07494 763382

Non UK callers : +44 7494 763382

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Surrealist Painting Death of Cleopatra
 
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