Lot 149: MARK GERTLER (BRITISH, 1891-1939) Trees at Banchory Sanatorium, Scotland

MARK GERTLER (BRITISH, 1891-1939) Trees at Banchory Sanatorium, Scotland signed ‘Mark/Gertler’ and indistinctly dated (lower left); bears title and date ‘Dec 1920’ (on handwritten label verso), oil on canvas 25.5 x 35.5cm (10 1/16 x 14in).

Gertler spent time at Banchory Sanatorium near Aberdeen after being diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1920. Whilst there he wrote To begin with, the doctor won’t allow me to work at all – not for another fortnight because I have to stand . The sanatorium later obtained a stool for him to sit on enabling him to paint during his stay.