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

Sotheby's, London, 8 July 1990, lot 52, as View of Peat-stacks and Irish Hills, where bought by the Cynthia O'Connor Gallery, Dublin;
James Adams, Dublin, 29 March 2000, lot 40, as Turf Stacks in the West, where bought by Cunnamore Galleries, Skibbereen;
Christie's, London, 14 May 2004, lot 149, where bought by the present owner

S. B. Kennedy, Paul Henry: with a catalogue of the Paintings, Drawings, Illustrations, 2007, no.888, illus. p.275

STRUCTURE Original canvas. There is a faint stretcher bar mark along the upper edge and a few minor, corresponding hairline cracks. There are a few other very minor signs of craquelure in the sky of the upper left quadrant and also in the sky between the central and right-hand mountains. All of these are only visible upon close inspection; the work appears in good overall condition. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT UV light reveals areas of retouching along each edge and to the above mentioned stretcher bar mark. There are also scattered flecks of retouching elsewhere about the canvas. FRAME Held in a Dutch 17th century style reproduction ebonised, ripple-moulded 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."

The present work has been dated circa 1934-6 on stylistic grounds. It is probably a scene in County Kerry, the mountains being the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. The use of vertical brushstrokes is a characteristic feature of Henry's oeuvre.

We are grateful to S. B. Kennedy for his kind assistance with the cataloguing of the present work.