Damsel turning from King of Spades

Bell was Instructor of Painting and Drawing at Liverpool School of Architecture and Applied Arts (1894-99). From the turn of the 20th century he focused on religious, mythological and allegorical subjects. This work is probably part of the University Club decorations 1896. The title of this watercolour alludes to characters imagined from a pack of cards - they represent the Queen (or Damsel) of Hearts and the King of Spades. The patterns of the suits can just be made out on the two figures' clothing.