I am wondering about a painting I have by John Armstrong. I have researched and found the following but I am not sure of evaluation or composition. I have attached a photo.

The size is 32" x 24" and it is signed JA 46 on the bottom right hand corner. On the back it says John Armstrong Lefevre Galleries 131 New Bond Street W1. It is tempera on wood. The V&A have ten of his works in their collection and the Tate has three; but neither are aware of the existence of this painting.

Any help much appreciated.

I'm not quite sure what you are wanting to know here. Are you wanting to know about the possible monetary value of this work or maybe the name of it? Or, maybe how it compares to other works by the same artist?

What is V&A, please?

The V&A is an art museum Victoria and Albert Museum. I've never been but have heard it is good. Nice flowing painting, I'm afraid I am unfamiliar with this artist, perhaps philo can contact the museums to verify this painting and receive more information?

Thank you for the clarification as to what the V&A is. I know more about those that are in the U.S.

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Originally Posted by Clough

I'm not quite sure what you are wanting to know here. Are you wanting to know about the possible monetary value of this work or maybe the name of it? Or, maybe how it compares to other works by the same artist?

What is V&A, please?

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Thank you for your comments: yes I would like to know how much the painting may be worth; but I am also intrigued by the composition. Who are these nuns and what is wrong with one of them? Yes Victoria and Albert is a very good museum . Well worth a visit if ever you should be in London.

Hello Philo, did you get the answer we sent you on this via private message?

Just my interpretation... sisters are supporting a fallen sister... the one in the center appears to have arthritic hands and foot bones make her seem very worn, frail... etc...

Hope someone will post more, so I can learn with you all on this one...

I noticed 12 columns surrounding the five sisters... what symbolism might that have??

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Originally Posted by jackandflorence

Hello Philo, did you get the answer we sent you on this via private message?

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Hi Jack and Florence
No I am so sorry - but I did not receive your reply. I wonder if it went into my 'bulk' inbox where I still get so much spam... I may have deleted it in error. If you Google Paul Vittle you may be able to see my web site and a different e-mail address. I am always a bit hesitant to put a personal address on pages like these. What do you think?

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Originally Posted by jackandflorence

Hello Philo, did you get the answer we sent you on this via private message?

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I would suggest please, that it would be best to keep answers on the threads where the questions have been asked rather than communicating privately so that all may benefit from the answers that have been given. That's part of the beauty of how this site works. Maybe someone will come along who might have a similar question where it has already been asked and answered on this site. This site then becomes a huge encyclopedia/repository of knowledge!

oneguyinohio's interpretation is as good as mine or anyone else's, in as much as any interpretation of a piece of art is personal, especially religious art. Oddly enough, one of impressions I got from this painting is that the nuns are experiencing spiritual rapture :)

I searched for more paintings by John Armstrong, and am wondering if this is the same artist and his words:John Armstrong - Artist

"Through his work the Christian artist is responsible more than ever for opening people's eyes to the Way, the Truth and the Life. We must use earthly images as pointers to higher levels of understanding- to an inner joy and a vision of love. It is our task to illustrate, interpret and share the joy of the kingdom of Heaven by using Biblical themes of Old and New Testament. At the same time we are one with the Creator through the act of painting. We may often fail to live up to this ideal but I think it will be the Christian painter's concern to work quietly and faithfully and to return to a direction in painting where the spiritual meaning will again be the point of departure."

Philo, I am a fine art auctioneer based in London specialising in Modern British Art. John Armstrong is one of the key members of the British Surrealist movement, particularly before WWII. Your picture is a good example of his later work and may be quite valuable if authentic. Would have to see it first before valuation, but its good thing...

Philo, did you get my message regarding the John Armstrong?