Bidspirit auction | Mathew Brittan

Mathew Brittan - The Four Earthly Kingdoms. 33 × 25 cm Watercolor on fine art paper, framed under glass In this intriguing and profound work, Mathew Brittan presents an extraordinary spiritual vision inspired by philosophical and anthroposophical ideas concerning the evolution of consciousness and the natural world. A luminous white human figure, suspended within a dark and seemingly infinite space, appears as a being in transition—existing between worlds, between the material and the spiritual, between the visible and the unseen. The composition is based on the concept of the ”Four Earthly Kingdoms”: the mineral kingdom, the plant kingdom, the animal kingdom, and the human kingdom. Brittan constructs a subtle visual hierarchy in which each realm symbolizes a further stage in the development of life and awareness. Humanity stands at the summit of this structure, not as the ruler of nature, but as the bearer of all the kingdoms that preceded it, embodying within itself the accumulated wisdom and experience of creation. The dramatic contrast between the deep black background and the radiant figure evokes a sense of inner revelation. As in many of Brittan's works, the artist is not concerned with depicting external reality, but rather a state of consciousness—a contemplative moment reflecting upon humanity's place in the universe and its relationship with the whole of creation. The work was executed using professional watercolors on exceptionally high-quality art paper acquired in France. The transparent layers of pigment, the light that seems to emanate from within the figure, and the restraint of the composition lend the painting an almost iconic quality. It recalls illuminated manuscripts and visionary spiritual paintings, yet speaks in a language that is entirely contemporary and deeply personal. Brittan's artistic world is profoundly influenced by spiritual philosophy, mysticism, and the writings of Rudolf Steiner. His works explore questions of human development, the relationship between body and soul, and the connection between the material world and spiritual reality. The works offered in this sale form part of a small and carefully selected group of watercolors on paper that were recently brought to Israel. Created during a mature and accomplished period of the artist's career, after decades of sustained practice, they reveal a distinctive and fully developed artistic language shaped not by passing trends, but by a lifelong search for meaning. Provenance: From the artist's collection, acquired directly from the artist's studio. About the Artist Mathew Brittan (b. 1948) is a South African artist whose creative career spans more than six decades. A full-time artist throughout his life, Brittan has devoted his practice to an ongoing exploration of mythology, spirituality, literature, and art history through painting and drawing. His works have been exhibited and collected both in South Africa and internationally. They are distinguished by rich symbolism, powerful imagery, and a highly personal visual language. Whether working in oil or watercolor, Brittan's art reflects a lifelong commitment to creativity, intellectual inquiry, and artistic exploration. The works presented in this sale come directly from the artist's studio, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire original pieces that have remained in the artist's personal possession throughout his long artistic journey. Now in the later years of his eighth decade, Brittan continues to paint and evolve his visual language, extending an exceptional creative journey that has unfolded continuously for more than sixty years.