Lyrical Surrealist Reverie Oil Painting Circus Cyclist in the Manner of Paul Delvau Circa 1966

Details

Description

A Lyrical Surrealist Reverie Oil Painting Circus Cyclist in the Manner of Paul Delvaux
Subject & Medium
Circus Cyclist (dated … Read more A Lyrical Surrealist Reverie Oil Painting Circus Cyclist in the Manner of Paul Delvaux
Subject & Medium
Circus Cyclist (dated verso 1966) by British artist James Eagle is a poignant example of Lyrical Surrealism, where theatrical imagery merges with introspective calm. Executed in oil on canvas, the painting captures a poetic stillness suspended between performance and contemplation.
A solitary circus performer balances on a unicycle beside a resting dog, framed by a softly draped red curtain. Echoing the influence of Paul Delvaux, the scene invites reflection on the quiet tension between spectacle and inner silence.

Composition & Technique
Created in the mid-1960s, this work reflects the evolution of surrealism into a more lyrical, narrative form. Eagle employs a refined palette of ochres, muted reds, and soft greens, evoking a dreamlike atmosphere of suspension.
Notable elements include:
Flattened architectural space and rhythmic geometry reflecting modernist control
Subtle, translucent layering of oil, lending a quiet luminosity
A Magical Realist approach, presenting the fantastical with calm factuality
A poised equilibrium between figure, animal, and environment, evoking solitude and composure
The composition appears both precise and weightless, as though holding a breath before movement resumes—an embodiment of post-war surrealist introspection.

About the Artist
James Eagle was a mid-20th-century British painter associated with neo-surrealism and lyrical surrealism. His works frequently transform everyday scenes into symbols of psychological stillness, balancing imagination with structural clarity.
Influences include:
Paul Delvaux (poetic theatricality)
Edward Burra (modern surreal narrative)
Leonora Carrington (dreamlike symbolism)
Eagle’s work stands within the post-war British surrealist tradition, marked by emotional restraint, geometric discipline, and lyrical quietude.

Signature & Inscription
Signed lower right: “Eagle.”
Verso inscription in graphite:
“Circus Cyclist / James Eagle / 1966 / James Eagle.”
This confirms the title, artist, and year of execution.

Frame
Presented in a finely crafted oak-grain frame that harmonises with the warm tones of the composition and enhances its theatrical intimacy.

Framed Dimensions: 48 cm (Height) × 38 cm (Width) × 4 cm (Depth)
Provenance
Eastern Shire Art Dealer, United Kingdom
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Exhibited: Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire, UK
This provenance confirms both authenticity and exhibition history within a respected British collection.

Significance
Circus Cyclist distills the essence of Lyrical Surrealism: transforming quiet imagery into metaphors of psychological balance and emotional introspection. Eagle’s disciplined approach, infused with poetic restraint, establishes this work as a significant reflection on the post-war search for equilibrium between control and reverie.

Why Collect This Piece
A rare mid-century example of British lyrical surrealism
Echoes the aesthetic sensibilities of Paul Delvaux and Leonora Carrington
Delicately balanced composition with refined modernist execution
Museum-quality craftsmanship and emotional resonance
Accompanied by documented provenance and exhibition history See less