Lot 33 Colin Middleton

Colin Middleton RHA RUA 1910-1983 THE WASHING LINE (1939) Oil on canvas, 24'' x 17 3/4'' (61 x 45cm), signed with monogram. It is revealing to consider The Washing Line in the light of Middleton's own analysis of another of his surrealist paintings from the same period. In his notes, he writes of spiritual and political confusion indicated in the painting by the use of faulty perspective, with damage wrought to buildings representing more personal trauma inflicted on the souls of men. The ladder that goes nowhere represents the suggestion of help that turns out to be useless. While the landscape is dry and bright, all the windows give way to shadow (again the artist's notes emphasise the important role these openings play) and the barred grille on the door that potentially leads to escape also suggests a prison. The target painted on a wall hints at violence and the woman who seems to be lifting a headscarf to reveal her identity is ambiguous, a figure that will help or who will lead into danger. While the meaning of the painting is typically elusive and the mood has a certain menace, the bright airiness and energy of the work also suggests an escape. The buildings and landscape seem to connect this work with Middleton's interest in the Spanish Civil War; implied or actual violence is peripheral but usually present in these paintings, although less overtly than in his works that deal with the Second World War. Dickon Hall, October, 2013