Harry Kernoff, R.H.A.

The sheet appears to be sound, the colours remain bright and the work in good overall condition. Held under glass in a simple gilt 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."

Patrick O’Hegarty (1879-1955) was born the eldest of two boys in Carrignavar, Co. Cork. His father died when he was young, leaving his mother to support her two sons. She managed to ensure they received a formal secondary education at their local Christian Brother’s School. It is here that O’Hegarty’s pride and love for his country was embedded in him. This passion for the Irish identity stayed with him throughout his life and drove him to become a prolific writer and essayist, promoting the Irish language and Irish self-reliance. 

O’Hegarty was a huge admirer of William Butler Yeats. As an avid collector of his poetry and plays, he also supported Yeats’ work for the Abbey Theatre and his opposition to censorship. O’Hegarty’s daughter, Grainne, went on to marry Yeats’ son Michael, and at the death of Yeats, O’Hegarty wrote lengthy and affectionate letters to Elizabeth Yeats consoling the loss of her great husband. In his eulogy of the poet he wrote, ‘(Yeats’) poetry was fulfilling one of the best tasks of poetry, it was speaking out of the people and to the people, filling them with pride and determination’ (F. Flanagan, Remembering the Revolution: Dissent, Culture, and Nationalism in the Irish Free State (2015)