Oil on canvas
61 x 45cm

The daughter of the eminent Victorian man of letters Sir Edmund Gosse, Sylvia trained at the Royal Academy Schools, and from 1908 under Sickert at the Westminster Technical Institute. From 1909 she exhibited at the Allied Artists’ Association and began showing with the New English Art Club from 1911, the Royal Academy from 1912 and the London Group from 1914. Although she was never a leading figure amongst the London artists circles she was a constant noted presence. The critic of the Times commented: ‘It would be easy to label Miss Gosse pupil of Walter Sickert. But these works show that she is much more than that’.

Gladiolis are often known as sword lillies because of their long pointed leaves which are evident in this still life. The very muted nature of this painter leads you to focus on the skill of the artist. The reflective nature of the polished wood has been captured beneath the vase and the reflection of the flowers in the mirror adds another dimension to the work.