Irish School

Sotheby's, Johannesburg, 24 November 1986, lot 9 where purchased by the husband of the present owner

The panel is sound. There is a craquelure pattern across the surface, less prominent in the foreground. There are some frame abrasions and other occasional scuffs and the surface is dirty. Held in its impressive original carved, rococo-style antique gold-leaf gilt frame, with centre cabochon cartouche.
"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 painting is a rare and significant 19th century panoramic view of Dublin Bay, dating to circa 1830. The artist has taken his view point from Killiney Hill, and the quarry in the foreground is where the granite was hewn to build the two piers for Dun Laoghaire harbour, visible in the near distance. Beyond that with the lighthouse on the end is the East Wall, built in the late 18th century. Along the coastline to the right of the painting can be seen two of the Martello Towers, which were built along both the Irish and English coast lines at the beginning of the 19th century when fear of an invasion by Napoleon was at its height.

While a full attribution remains elusive, the style recalls the work of George Petrie, P.R.H.A., (1790-1866), who exhibited another View of the Dublin Bay, from Mount Merrion (a little further North than the present view) at the Artists of Ireland Exhibition in Dublin in 1817.