Reference photograph, catalogue sheet 4
Cat. 15 · Painting
The Fountain
Assigned title
Date not recorded
- Medium
- Oil on unprimed hard board
- Dimensions
- 50.5 cm × 61 cmAs recorded in the catalogue
- Date
- Date not recorded
- Signature
- Not recorded
- Catalogue no.
- Cat. 15* (asterisk explained under Verso)
- Source
- Catalogue, entry 15*
- Status
- Private collection
Description
A water fountain in a town square in strong sunlight.
Commentary
An affecting composition, with the fountain centrally placed in strong sunlight with profound shadows and strongly defined outlines in the manner of Rouault. Possibly painted in France en plein air with large, rough brush strokes and rapid over- working.
Attribution
Attributed to Alec Fleming.
Given to Alec Fleming in the catalogue.
Catalogue wording: “Alec Fleming”
Verso
Alex Fleming in block marker.
Catalogue no. 15* — The asterisk against this catalogue number refers to the catalogue introduction’s note on the “A Fleming” marking on the reverse of many boards, reproduced below. It flags the caveat; it is not itself evidence of authorship.
Source note, catalogue introduction
Many boards are marked “A Fleming” in marker pen, in block capitals, on the reverse. Some of these may be by Barbara Fleming.
It is unlikely that the same marker pen, in the same hand and in the same position on the board, would have been used over several decades. In places the marker is written over older paint marks, staining and scarring, which suggests a later application — potentially at a single date, to denote ownership rather than attribution, and probably by Alec Fleming.
Condition
Good. Slight water staining to the revere at base.
Provenance and research
Research notes
- The title is marked [assigned] in the catalogue.
Further works
Alec Fleming
Cat. 1
Woman in a Pearl Necklace
Attributed to Alec Fleming
1930s in style · Oil on hand-stretched canvas, fixed with nails; unframed

Cat. 2
Self Portrait – Alec Fleming
Attributed to Alec Fleming
Possibly early to mid-1960s, in style · Oil on hardboard

Cat. 3
Self Portrait – Head, Alec Fleming
Attributed to Alec Fleming
Possibly mid-1960s, in style · Oil on hardboard

Cat. 4
African Violets
Attributed to Alec Fleming
Date not recorded · Oil on hardboard, unvarnished