7th Oct, 2025 10:00
Modern and Contemporary Art
311
Kurt Schwitters (German-British, 1887-1948)
'Douglas, Isle of Man'
signed with initials and dated '40' l.c., also signed, inscribed in German and dated verso, oil on board
29.5 x 24cm
A leading figure of European avant-garde art, Kurt Schwitters is best known for his 'Merz' collages and his association with Dada and Constructivism. After fleeing Nazi Germany in 1937, Schwitters was interned in Britain as an 'enemy alien' during The Second World War. From July 1940 to November 1941, he was held at Hutchinson Internment Camp in Douglas, Isle of Man.
Despite the constraints of internment, Schwitters remained remarkably productive. During his time in Douglas, he produced a significant body of landscape paintings that reflect both his resilience and adaptability. These works, often painted from memory or observation within the camp, reveal a quieter, more contemplative side of his practice. They are characterised by lyrical colour, simplified forms, and a sense of emotional introspection - marking a departure from the radical abstraction of his earlier 'Merz' constructions.
The Douglas landscapes stand as poignant documents of exile, offering insight into Schwitters' enduring commitment to art-making even in the most challenging of circumstances.
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Sold for £4,000
Condition Report
Framed: 45 x 39.5cm
Vertical splits and cracking to the board and paint. Likely that only cheap materials were availlable to artist during this period of his life. Further cracking to the paint in the lower right. A small loss at the top, upper right. There is an brown area in the upper right quarter, please refer to illustration. it is unclear if this is intentional by artist, may be stain or dicolouration. The edges are uneven and the lower and right edges have some small knocks and chips missing.
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Auction: Modern and Contemporary Art, 7th Oct, 2025
Viewing
London Viewing | Highlights
A selection of lots will be on view Tuesday 9 - Friday 26 September at our London Gallery, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ, as follows:
Monday-Friday, 11am - 5.30pm
Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed
For more information, please contact 0203 971 2500 | london@sworder.co.uk
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 3 October, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 5 October, 10am - 1pm
Monday 6 October, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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