James Doyle Penrose

Christie's, South Kensington, 12 March 2008, lot 1;
Private collection

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. Some faint craquelure remains under close inspection in a few places. The painting has been cleaned and is in ready to hang condition. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT UV light reveals flecks of retouching and infill in places throughout the canvas. FRAME Held in a gilt plaster 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."

Penrose was a skilful painter of portraits, historical and religious subjects and exhibited regularly at the RA from the 1890s until 1927. Born in Wicklow, Ireland, he was from a family of prosperous Quakers and formally trained in London at the RA schools, St John’s Wood and South Kensington Schools. Although many of his works reflect his Quaker beliefs, A Playful Parry instead turns to the classical genre popularized by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema. In this painting, a rich celebration of colour and texture, he includes all the traditional accoutrements of fin de siècle classical images - peacock feathers, animal skin, scattered flowers, vibrant drapery, and elegant figures and sets them against a warm Mediterranean scene.

James Doyle Penrose was the father of Sir Roland Penrose, the influential artist, writer, and advocate of Surrealist art. His father’s strict Quaker beliefs and commitment to traditional subject matter, largely spurred Sir Roland Penrose to rebel against these conventions and he befriended modern artists such as Miro, Braque, Picasso, Man Ray, and Max Ernst. He became a prominent biographer and art historian and established the influential Elephant Trust to financially support and encourage experimental artists and writers in their artistic endeavours.