- 295
Jack Butler Yeats, R.H.A.
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Jack Butler Yeats, R.H.A.
- Man Hearing an Old Song
- signed l.r.: JACK B YEATS; titled on the reverse
- oil on board
- 22 by 35.5cm., 9 by 14in.
Provenance
Iris Winthrop, U.S.A;
Sotheby's, London, 12 April 1967, lot 158 (given by Victor Waddington for the benefit of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem);
Mrs Bruce Wood;
Private collection
Sotheby's, London, 12 April 1967, lot 158 (given by Victor Waddington for the benefit of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem);
Mrs Bruce Wood;
Private collection
Exhibited
London, Victor Waddington, Oil Paintings, 1967, no.21
Literature
Hilary Pyle, Jack B. Yeats, A Catalogue Raisonné of the Oil Paintings, Vol.II, 1992, p.901, no.997 and Vol.III, no.997, illustrated p.507.
Condition
The board appears to be sound. Appears to be an old loss of impasto to the top of the head of the man, which appears slightly fragile - only visible upon close inspection and not visually distracting. The work appears in good condition overall.
Under ultraviolet light there appear to be no signs of retouching.
Held under glass in a gilt plaster frame; unexamined out of 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."
"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
Painted in 1949, the present work depicts a man, his head bowed and cupping his ears, listening with emotion to the song of a singer standing in the centre of the composition. Predominantly painted in blues and mauves with parts of the canvas left daringly bare, Yeats creates a work full of feeling and drama heightened by flash of white, red and green and his energetic brushwork.
Although painted late in his career, Yeats' work continued to grow in vigour in terms of colour and composition. It was a time of some of his most openly patriotic paintings, such as Rise Up Willy Reilly (1945, private collection) and Men of Destiny (1946, National Gallery of Ireland), and a time to recall fondly the vibrant days of his youth, such as Shouting (1950, private collection). The present painting evokes Yeats' love of the music hall, which like the theatres and circuses he so enjoyed visiting, formed a vibrant part of his career; few rivalled his ability to convey the excitement of the stage through his brilliant brushwork and colour.