Lot 138
  • 138

John Butler Yeats

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • John Butler Yeats
  • Portrait of Elizabeth Corbet 'Lolly' Yeats
  • oil on canvas
  • 91.5 by 71cm., 36 by 28in.

Exhibited

Dublin, National Gallery of Ireland, Paintings and Drawings by John Butler Yeats, 1972, no.99;
Dublin, National Gallery of Ireland, At a GlancePortraits by John Butler Yeats, 24 October 2015 - 17 January 2016

Literature

James White, John Butler Yeats and the Irish Renaissance, Dolmen Press, 1972, fig.6;
Hilary Pyle, Yeats: Portrait of an Artistic Family, London, 1997, p.36, fig.32;
Hilary Pyle, 'Pilgrim Father' in Irish Arts Review, vol.23, no.4, 2015, p.554, illustrated fig.6

Condition

Original canvas. The surface appears slightly dirty. Some areas of craquelure visible across the canvas. Ultraviolet light reveals an opaque and uneven varnish which makes the surface difficult to read conclusively. There may be a few occasional areas of infilling to some craquelure. Held in an ornate gilt wood 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

The present portrait was painted circa 1899, around the same time as the painting of her sister (lot 137). John Butler Yeats had written enthusiastically to Sarah Purser: 'I am making a real effort this time for the RA, a portrait of Lily and another of Lolly' (14 March 1901). Both were rejected; however this led Purser to action, outraged his talent was being neglected, she arranged the historic exhibition of JBY and Nathaniel Hone's work in Dublin in October 1901, finally giving the artist the recognition he deserved.