Aurora Triumphans (1877-8) oil painting by Evelyn de Morgan (1855-1919)

One of the key paintings of Bournemouth’s Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum returns home today, Tuesday 15 April 2008, following a two-year absence for important conservation work.

Evelyn de Morgan’s (1855-1919) Aurora Triumphans has been a big draw to the town for art lovers for many years. It was bought by Herbert Russell-Cotes, son of Sir Merton & Lady Russell-Cotes, in circa 1922.

Aurora Triumphans is one of Evelyn de Morgan’s key works. It was exhibited at the Grosvenor Gallery, London, in 1886, the year before her marriage to the potter William de Morgan. The de Morgans were leading figures in the Art & Crafts movement.

The subject of the painting is Aurora, the ancient Greek goddess of dawn, ‘breaking free’ from the ‘shackles of night’. It is a fitting subject for the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum with the ‘day & night’ theme that runs throughout the house. Further background information about the painting and the artist follows this news release.

The oil painting is being brought back and hung in the gallery by conservator Elizabeth Holford, on Tuesday 15 April at 2.00pm.