Lot 191
  • 191

Jack B. Yeats, R.H.A.

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Jack B. Yeats, R.H.A.
  • The Captain
  • signed l.r.: Jack B/ Yeats; titled on the reverse
  • oil on board
  • 23 by 35.5cm., 9 by 14in.

Exhibited

Galway, Kenny Art Gallery, Paintings and Drawings, 1976, no.7

Literature

Hillary Pyle, Jack Butler Yeats, A Catalogue Raisonné of the Oil Paintings, Vol.II., Andre Deutsch, London, 1992, no.893, p.810, illustrated

Condition

The board appears sound and the work in very good overall condition. No signs of retouching under ultraviolet light. Held under glass in a gilt plaster frame; unexamined out of 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."

Catalogue Note

Painted in 1948, the present work is a vividly rendered oil depicting the Captain standing proudly at the front of his vessel, hands behind his back - surveying the horizon ahead of him, or perhaps returning home? As early as he could draw, adventures on the sea had captivated Jack B. Yeats, evidenced in this sale with the early sketches, pirate-inspired material and Broadside illustrations (see lots 9, 189 and 190). 

Yeats was always drawn to strong characters, finding inspiration in them for a wealth of material. The Captain features prominently in Yeats' work across all stages of his career, and Pyle points out his pivotal position within Yeats' celebrated Life in the West of Ireland series from 1913.