Paul Henry’s ‘Reflections’ & Irish Art Auctions at Adams & de Veres

The upcoming auction of Irish art at Adams next Wednesday, March 25th, offers more than just a chance to acquire paintings; it’s a reflection of the diverse artistic approaches taken by Irish artists over decades. The sale, featuring 124 lots with estimates ranging from €300 to €150,000, showcases a spectrum of styles, from the photo realism of John Doherty to the abstract compositions of William Scott.

Central to the auction is “Reflections” by Paul Henry, estimated at €100,000-€150,000. This piece, painted in the 1930s, diverges from Henry’s typical focus on the skies and light of the West of Ireland. Instead, the lake dominates the composition, with the sky reduced to a narrow band reflected on the water’s surface. Henry, born in Belfast in 1876, is renowned for his depictions of the Irish landscape in a post-impressionist style, having studied at both the Académie Julian and Whistler’s Académie Carmen in Paris. His operate often balances realism and modernity, influenced by his training with James Abbott McNeill Whistler.

Beyond Henry: A Landscape of Styles

The auction isn’t solely focused on Henry’s work. Mary Swanzy’s “Cathedral, Semur” (€20,000-€30,000) demonstrates the influence of Paul Cézanne, both in its color scheme and perspective, with the composition drawing the eye upwards towards the Gothic cathedral. John Doherty is represented by two pieces: “The Maxol Family” (€7,000-€10,000), an acrylic painting of a now-vanishing roadside petrol station, and “Abandoned in Bantry” (€1,500-€2,000), depicting a derelict petrol pump. These works capture a changing Ireland, documenting scenes that are increasingly disappearing from the landscape. Doherty’s focus on everyday scenes and industrial subjects offers a contrast to the more traditional landscape painting.

Further diversifying the collection, “Child Scarecrow/Falling Kite” by John Shinnors (€10,000-€15,000) revisits themes frequently explored by the Limerick artist. Evie Hone’s watercolor, “The Sermon on the Mount” (€1,000-€1,500), comes from the estate of Leo Smith of the Dawson Gallery in Dublin. The auction too includes abstract works by William Scott and Felim Egan, landscapes by Frank McKelvey and Charles Lamb, and bronze sculptures by Melanie le Brocquy, John Behan, and Imogen Stuart. The breadth of mediums and styles underscores the richness and complexity of the Irish art scene.

A Parallel Auction at de Veres

Concurrent with the Adams auction, de Veres is holding an online Irish Art Auction next Tuesday evening, March 24th. This sale, currently on view at Kildare Street in Dublin, features works by Gerard Dillon, Dan O’Neill, Peter Curling, Barbara Warren, Liam O’Neill, Kenneth Webb, and again, Mary Swanzy. A highlight of the de Veres auction is “Elijah and the Ravens” by Sean Keating (€10,000-€15,000), a 1940 painting that offers a metaphorical commentary on the early Irish State.

Keating’s Metaphor: Art and the Irish State

Keating’s “Elijah and the Ravens” presents a unique interpretation of the Biblical story. Rather than depicting Elijah being protected by ravens, Keating portrays him as being attacked by them. This, according to auction details, serves as a metaphor for the Irish State, which Keating believed had failed to support the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art despite initial promises. The painting was originally lent to a major Keating retrospective in 1963, opened by Éamon de Valera, highlighting its significance within Irish art history. The Irish Examiner details this historical context.

The de Veres auction also features a horse racing painting by Peter Curling, “Irish Weather,” with the highest estimate at €30,000. The catalogue lists a total of 199 lots. The range of estimates, from €100 to €30,000, suggests a diverse selection aimed at collectors with varying budgets.

The Significance of Railway Posters and Commercial Art

Paul Henry’s career extended beyond traditional painting; he also designed several railway posters. As noted in his Wikipedia entry, some of these posters, notably “Connemara Landscape,” achieved considerable sales. This highlights a lesser-known aspect of Henry’s artistic output and demonstrates his ability to adapt his style to commercial applications. This also speaks to a broader trend within the Irish art world, where artists often engaged in commercial work to supplement their income and reach a wider audience.

Viewing and Bidding Information

The Adams auction preview is open from 2 pm to 5 pm today and tomorrow, and daily next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The catalogue is available online, and bidding begins at 6 pm on Wednesday. The de Veres auction is currently on view at Kildare Street in Dublin. Both auctions offer opportunities for collectors to acquire a piece of Irish art history and support the ongoing vitality of the Irish art market.

Looking Ahead: The Continued Appeal of Irish Landscape Painting

The enduring popularity of artists like Paul Henry, and the continued interest in Irish landscape painting, suggests a sustained demand for works that capture the unique beauty and character of the Irish countryside. The auctions at Adams and de Veres provide a snapshot of this market, showcasing both established masters and emerging talents. The success of these sales will likely influence future trends in the Irish art world, encouraging artists to explore new approaches even as remaining rooted in the traditions of Irish landscape painting.