What was going on in the artist’s mind when he created this painting I have no idea. All I know is that I like the end result. Wonderful composition, equally ravishing colour work, even the frame is acceptable.
There’s something about this that reminds me of H. P. Lovecraft’s mystical musings with a dash of Henri Rousseau in the execution. Those (11) figures on the foreshore, are they Sirens or bathers? The one hovering over the water with raised arms; luring us to a watery grave or merely an innocent acknowledgement of our presence? The whole composition surrounded by the most exotic forest/jungle.
The inscription on the back is equally enigmatic…Mr Burden, ‘Caretaker’ 1980. (At least the date is no mystery.)
Signed: B. Burden
Date: 1980
Size (including frame): 33.5cm x 54cm
Medium: oil on board panel
Condition: good