Paul Henry, R.H.A., R.U.A.

The Artist's Studio and thence by descent to Mabel Henry;
Adams, Dublin, 12 December 1975, lot 95, where purchased by Sean Collins;
From whom acquired by present owner, 1999

Possibly Belfast, Ulster Arts Club, Drawings, Paintings and Miniatures by Mr & Mrs Paul Henry, 23-28 September 1907, no.6
Dublin, National Gallery of Ireland, Paul Henry, 19 February - 18 May 2003, no.11;

S. B. Kennedy, Paul Henry, Yale University Press, 2007, no.143, p.127, illustrated

The sheet is not laid down but adhered to its mount with by two adhesive tabs along the upper edge. There are traces of vertical stains through the middle of the sheet, and another nearer the right edge. These could be reduced and the work improved through restoration - please contact the department on +44 (0)207 293 5925 if you have further questions. Held under glass in a cream mount in a simple dark stained and gilt edge frame.
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This early drawing clearly belies the influence of Whistler with its gently modulated tones and subtleties of light. It depicts the artist's mother, whom Henry recalled towards the end of his life as: 'a small slight person. When my father died she stood alone, with her funds of restless vitality, like a young gamecock' (Henry, Further Reminisces, 1973, p.53). 

If it was indeed the work exhibited at the Ulster Arts Club in 1907 it was well praised, with The Northern Whig commenting, 'there is nothing which more clearly demonstrates Mr Henry's sense of feeling and craftsmanship that in the head of a woman (6).' (see S.B. Kennedy, op. cit., p.143 for further reading).