Theodore Major (British, 1908-1999) Untitled twice signed 'MAJOR' (to backboard) oil on board 121 x 151cm (47 5/8 x 59 7/16in). Painted December 1976 - March 1977 Provenance The Artist, where acquired by the present owner, in April 1977 Private Collection, U.K. In a letter from the Artist to the present owner, dated April 1977, Major described his working method thus: 'I go across to my painting house - set out some white paint and begin to draw without any previous thought about what I am going to paint. No awaiting the right 'mood' - or 'so called' inspiration. One line demands another - one shape suggests others - I am lost in a world of growing forms. - a figure appears with raised arms, colours create each other - the landscape grows with each figure - The Magic of Art sings its song. After a few days I grow tired and - put the painting away for a few weeks, months or years. One day I look at the painting and I again begin to see. I finish the painting! The meaning of the picture will in time become clear. The meaning may be different to each viewer: a work of Art contains many meanings. (To my wife - the figure is the figure of Christ.) I prefer to give no title to my paintings - the viewer should create his or her own title. The picture was painted with the light coming from the left - so should look its best in this light. (I began the picture in Dec 1976 and finished it in March 1977.) I was born in 1908 - and I believe that only through the medium of the Arts will man find the key to unlock the door to the meaning and understanding of man, and finally to the understanding of life itself.'