A City of Refuge
by Miss Margaret Lindsay Williams
(1888 - 1960)

This painting depicts an early city under seige during a strenuous struggle
to protect the occupant who has taken refuge within. The artist has drawn
from historical sources for her inspiration (see below). The work contains
strong historical imagery similar to that used by the Pre-Raphaelites.  This
work, which is one of her earliest, was awarded a Gold Medal by the Royal
Acamedy in December 1911 and helped to launch her career as one of the most
talented artists of her time. Royal and public commissions quickly followed
in the years 1915 to 1944. Her work rarely comes to auction as many are in
Royal and public collections.

The city in "A City of Refuge" could be  the "celestial city" (Heaven) to
where Christian escapes in Bunyan's "Pilgrims Progress" after fleeing "The
City of Descruction". More probably the artist recall passages in the Bible
from her religious upbringing in Wales and depicts one of the six Cities of
Refuge set apart by Moses (Dt. 4:41-43), three to the east of Jorden and
three to the west (Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramouth and Golan). A
distinction was made between slaying someone purposely or unawares. The
Wilful murderer was killed, whilst the unintentional murderer could find
asylum in one of these cities. The practice was an ancient one and believed
to date from the time of David. Apparently the main intention was to
moderate in the cases of blood feuds.  The refugee was protected until the
time of the death of the high priest.

"A City of Refuge" will be on display at the NEC, November 1998
See: http://www.bathgreen11.freeserve.co.uk/intaglio.htm
where there is a picture of the painting.

Size: 50 x 40 in (127 x 102 cm), oil on canvas contained in large
contemporary gilt frame.

Condition: Good. Some darkening and cracking with age. Expertly restored by
former Corporate owners. Conservation panel attached to back.

Sources and notes:
(1) E Benezit, "Dictionnaire des Peintres Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs et
Graveurs".
(2) Who's Who In Art - 1927 (p. 260)
(3) Royal Academy Exhibitors (p. 292/293)
(4) Dictionary of Portrait Painters in Britain - Brian Stewart & Mervyn
Cutten