Mavis Wheeler

The painting titled Portrait of Mavis Wheeler captures the enigmatic essence of this multifaceted figure, known for her roles as an artist's model, mistress of Augustus John, and wife of both prankster Horace de Vere Cole and archaeologist Sir Mortimer Wheeler. Created in a Post-impressionism style, the artwork reflects the vivid color palette and expressive brushwork characteristic of the movement. Wheeler's complex and intriguing life, including her infamous 1954 shooting of lover Anthony Vivian, adds a layer of historical intrigue to the piece, making it a compelling portrayal of a woman intertwined with artistic and social circles of her time.