Regalia 1928

Regalia combines a still life of antiquated and modern marine instruments with a view of the open sea. The sailor’s equipment is given almost royal status as the shapes subtly echo the regalia of sceptre, orb and chain. Wadsworth was fascinated by machinery and collected maritime equipment so that he could paint directly from it. The stark clarity of his style is comparable to the ‘metaphysical’ paintings of the Italian artist Giorgio de Chirico. It injects a sense of mystery and gives the objects a presence that makes them seem like a monument. Gallery label, July 2008