Φ Edward Burra, CBE (1905-1976)

Edward Burra, CBE (1905-1976)
Spanish Singer
Signed with stamped signature E. J. Burra (lower right)
Watercolour and bodycolour, c.1933-1934
48.2 x 25.4cm

Provenance:
The Lefevre Gallery, London, where purchased by Anthony John Lippitt c.2000;
The Collection of the late A J Lippitt

Burra's fondness for Mediterranean mala vida is apparent here. From 1933 onwards, he had a particular penchant for the vibrant and invigorating atmosphere of Spain but he preferred to seek out its seedier backstreets. Coupled with a love of the language and his own perceptive skills of observation, Burra was able to devise his watercolours almost from memory.

This subject shows the singer performing and the bright palette complements the fiery Spanish passion of the scene. The artist's love of the sinister and macabre is shown in the singer's despondent appearance which contrasts with the tawdry glamour of her setting. Burra shared his love of these sleazy clubs in a letter to Paul Nash (1933): ‘Barcelona was lovely nothing but music halls and bars and cinemas … they did some lovely dancing with castanets however in daintie spanish costumes of black transparent net with diamonte embroidery (over the parts) [sic]’.