Paul Henry, R.H.A., R.U.A.

Imelda Carmody, St Louis, Missouri, 1930s, by whom gifted to Mrs Margaret Robinson and thence by descent;
Sotheby's, London, 18 May 2001, lot 215, where purchased by the previous owner

S.B. Kennedy, Paul Henry, Yale University Press, 2000, p.248, no.739, illustrated

The board is slightly bowed. There are some faint signs of craquelure in the sky. Otherwise the work is in good overall condition with strong passages of impasto and is clean and ready to hang. UV light inspection reveals a minor area of infilling near the upper left edge. Held in a simple gilt composite frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Landscape with Cottage dates to circa 1929-34 and exemplifies Henry’s atmospheric portrayal of the West of Ireland for which he is celebrated. A thatched white cottage sits nestled in the hills while voluminous cumulus clouds roll above. The compositional device of devoting the majority of the painting to the sky was a technique favoured by Henry, allowing him to evoke the sense of space and tempestuous weather that defines this rugged landscape. More unusually with the present work is the more varied palette, notably the variations of mauve and yellow, and the more heavily worked surface with strong passages of impasto.