Madeline Rachel Wells (1879-1959)

Championing another female, today we have this captivating large watercolour by Madeline Rachel Wells RBA (1879–1959). Wells studied under Sir Frank Brangwyn RA RWS RBA (1867–1956) at London School of Art, and his influence can very much be seen in this painting.

We have identified the tower as being the medieval belfry tower at Vaison-la-Romaine in the Vaucluse region of Provence, with its distinctive wrought-iron bell cage (designed to withstand the fierce Mistral winds). Wells travelled extensively in the Mediterranean area, painting alongside her architect husband, Robert Douglas Wells.

Brangwyn's recurring themes included architectural subjects, and here Wells paints the various architectural elements—rooftops, archways, beams and ladders—layed in an Cezanne-esque effect—and stylistically that resembles Brangwyn's monumental, decorative treatment of his subjects. And she includes working figures, another nod to Brangwyn, who above all else was 'usually concerned with the dignity of human labour, and the working man' (Libby Horner).

Stock number JZ-857

Images 3 & 4: Sir Frank Branwyn, Old Bridge, Albi, France © Art Gallery NSW and Sir Frank Branwyn, Stone Masons at Work