John Butler Yeats

New York, Albany Institute of History & Art, The Drawings of John Butler Yeats, 11 April - 31 May 1987, no.23 (illustrated in exh. cat.)

William Murphy, Prodigal Father: The Life of John Butler Yeats, Cornell University Press, Ithaca and London, 1978, illustrated p.178;
William Murphy, Family Secrets, William Butler Yeats and his Relatives, Syracuse University Press, New York, 1995, fig.78, p.283

The sheet appears sound, laid down to card. Slightly discoloured otherwise in good overall condition. Unframed.
"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."

On the family's move to London in 1887, the young Jack attended art school and there he met Mary Cottenham White, known as 'Cottie'. She was herself a competent artist, as seen in the works by her included in this sale. Jack's sister recalled how 'Jack...found himself sitting next to a fellow-student, pleasing to the eye and of sympathetic outlook. He used to return home to receive his father's periodic enquiry,"And how is Dottie?" Cottie, not Dottie, please, Father." It was a long time before his parent could get it right.' (quote in Pyle, Jack B. Yeats, 1989, p.38). In 1892, Jack surprised the family by announcing his engagement to Cottie. He then worked tirelessly as an illustrator in Manchester for two years in order to raise enough money to marry her, which he did on 23 August 1894 at the Emmanuel Church, Gunnersbury. 

Cottie, a few years older than Jack, was immediately liked by the family. She came from Devon and after their marriage, the couple built a cottage and studio at Strete, near Dartmouth (see lot 175), where they were to live happily for thirteen years before settling in Dublin.