Sean O'Sullivan, R.H.A.

Christie's, New York, 20 September 1986, lot 389

The sheet has been laid down on card. There is some staining to the sheet edges. There are a number of restorations located predominantly around the edges, however these have been done to a high standard and are only visible on close inspection; the image itself is not affected. There are a few scattered spots of surface dirt. Held in a drawing frame with cream mount and framed under glass. Please note that this work has been examined out of its 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."

Éamon de Valera (1882-1975) was the dominant political figure in 20th century Ireland. He was a prominent figure in both the War of Independence, where his dual American nationality probably saved him from execution for his part in the 1916 Easter Rising, and the subsequent Irish Civil War 1922-23. As President of first the Dail Eireann, 1919-1921 and then President of the Republic 1921-22 he played a leading role in creating the Constitution by which the Republic continues to be governed. In 1926 he left Sinn Féin to become the founder of Fianna Fail, and in 1932 became head of the Irish government or Taoiseach. He served three times in this role before becoming President of Ireland in 1959, a position he held until 1973.

He is regarded by many as the father of the modern Irish state, whilst others have criticised the way in which the militant republicanism of his early political career was supplanted by cultural conservativism and a degree of national isolationism. However, there is no doubt that he was a very great 20th century political figure, and that he played a truly significant part in the creation and development of the long awaited independent Irish state.

This evocative head study by Seán O’Sullivan shows de Valera, aged 46, in mid-thought, perhaps contemplating the destiny of his newly created Fianna Fáil party, which secured electoral victory in 1932 and came to dominate the Irish political landscape. In contrast to de Valera's own well established political prominence, by the time of the present work O'Sullivan's career was just in its ascendancy. It was in 1928 that the artist became the youngest ever associate member of the Royal Hibernian Academy at the age of 22, later being elected an Academician in 1931. This study is typical of the artist’s proficiency at capturing life, as seen in contemporary portraits of leading Irish figures such as Douglas Hyde, W.B. Yeats and James Joyce.