Daniel O'Neill

A commission from the sitter's husband, and thence by descent to the present owner

The board is sound and is cradled on the reverse. There are some very minor frame abrasions along the right edge and some very minor surface dirt otherwise in excellent overall condition. Under ultraviolet light, there are some minor spots of old retouching along the bottom left edge. Held in a plaster gilt 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."

Although the changing landscape around him was a strong influence, O'Neill was particularly inspired by people.  He was especially fond of depicting a single sitter as the central focus of the composition (see also lots 168, 170, 189 and 192).  The majority of these works depict various characters that he simply chanced upon but did not know well and the present work is especially significant as it was a rare portrait commission of someone who he knew very well. O'Neill generally refused commissions as he felt restricted by the opinions and expectations of the commissioner, however, in the present case, he knew and admired Litzi and was happy to accept the portrait commission from her husband Stanley.

Litzi was born in 1925 outside Vienna and moved to Belfast aged 13 at the beginning of the Second World War. It was in Belfast that she met and married Stanley Smith before they moved to London in 1948 where they had three daughters. After being introduced to Dan through Sidney Smith, Litzi became a regular muse for both Dan and Sidney (see fig.1) and they developed a close friendship.