Jack Butler Yeats, R.H.A.

Acquired directly from the artist by Serge Philipson, Dublin, May 1948;
Private Collection;
Christie's, 20 May 1999, lot 132;
Sotheby's, 6 May 2010, lot 39 where purchased by the present owner

Dublin, Royal Hibernian Academy, 1911, no.134;
Dublin, National Gallery of Ireland, Jack B. Yeats, A Centenary Exhibition, September - December 1971, no.28, illustrated in the catalogue, and touring to Cultural Center, New York.

Hilary Pyle, Jack B. Yeats, A Catalogue Raisonné of the Oil Paintings, André Deutsch, London, 1992, no.27, illustrated p.26.

The following condition report has been prepared by Hamish Dewar Ltd, 13 & 14 Mason's Yard, Duke Street, London SW1Y 6BU Structural condition The artist's panel is providing a sound and stable structural support. Paint surface The paint surface has an even varnish layer with the exception of slight rubbing on the right side where it would appear the surface has at some stage been wiped, perhaps with a moist cloth. This is very superficial and only in the upper varnish layers. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows the varnish layers to be opaque and therefore difficult to interpret under ultra-violet light. Small retouchings are identifiable in the lower right of the composition, comprising of five thin diagonal lines which each measure approximately 0.5 to 1cm in length, and a vertical line in the upper right which measures approximately 2 cm in length. I have inspected the painting closely under strong light and magnification and could find no visual evidence of any abrasion or retouching. Summary In my opinion therefore it would appear that the painting is in very good and stable condition and would benefit from revarnishing which would ensure a more even surface coating.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Painted in 1911, the dramatic chiaroscuro of the present work relates to Yeats's interest in Honoré Daumier at the time. In the dark moody background, a side-car has pulled up at a cab-stand and its driver is peering over into the foreground providing an apt backdrop for the group of three cabbies completely engrossed in their game of cards, their faces lit-up by the flickering candle light at the centre of the composition.