L. M. Dawe, Choir Boy, 1963

The painter is known only from the pencil inscription on the back, ‘L.M. Dawe’, with the date 1963. We have not been able to identify the artist. The handling suggests a capable amateur or art student.

A boy stands in three-quarter view with his hands folded, dressed for an English church choir. He wears a white surplice over a black cassock, with a starched ruff at the neck and a red ribbon hanging from his collar. He looks to one side. The warm brown background is brushed thinly, so the canvas weave shows through.

Oil on canvas laid down on hardboard, unframed. Inscribed in pencil on the reverse ‘L.M. Dawe 1963’ and ‘Choir boy’. The edges are worn, with small losses at the corners.