Austin Osman Spare (AOS) – The Senseless Seven No. 3 – Occult Symbolist Artwork

An intriguing black-and-white artwork bearing the initials AOS, associated with British artist and occultist Austin Osman Spare (1886–1956).

The composition depicts a central human figure surrounded by seven animal and hybrid figures, rendered in exceptionally detailed linework against a dramatic black background.

The lower margin bears handwritten pencil inscriptions, apparently reading “The Senseless Seven No. 3” and “The Starlit Mire”, together with an additional pencil mark or signature. The initials AOS also appear within the printed image.

Details

* Artist / attribution: Associated with Austin Osman Spare (1886–1956)
* Title: The Senseless Seven No. 3
* Medium: Black-and-white work on textured paper; precise printing technique unverified
* Date: Undetermined
* Sheet dimensions: Approximately 30 × 24 cm (please allow for minor measurement differences)
* Signed / marked: AOS monogram within the image; handwritten pencil inscriptions along the lower margin
* Edition: Unknown
* Provenance: Not documented

Condition

Vintage condition with visible age-related wear.

There are brown stains and discolouration around the margins and elsewhere on the sheet, as well as irregular paper edges and marks or remnants of previous mounting on the reverse.

Please examine all photographs carefully, including the close-up images and reverse of the sheet. The artwork is offered in its present, unrestored condition.

Important Attribution Information

This artwork has not been professionally authenticated. Its exact age, printing method, edition and relationship to the original work by Austin Osman Spare have not been established.

The attribution is based on the visible AOS monogram, inscriptions and subject matter. It is offered as an artwork associated with Spare, not as a guaranteed original drawing, lifetime print or personally signed work.

An unusual and visually striking piece of potential interest to collectors of British Symbolist art, occult imagery, esoteric illustration and early twentieth-century graphic art.

The item pictured is the exact item offered for sale.

Carefully packed for shipping, with protective materials to minimise bending and damage during transit.