John Butler Yeats

Original canvas, undulating slightly. The surface appears slightly dirty with a few spots and blemishes. A few minor areas of craquelure to the sitter's beard and top of his head; overall the work appears in good condition. Under ultraviolet light there appear to be no signs of retouching. Held in a gilt wood 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."

The poet and painter George Russell had his first encounter with the Yeats family through WBY at the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin, where the two were studying in the mid-1880s. It was the start of a lifelong association for the two through the theatre and other cultural projects. Russell is best remembered now for his visionary paintings yet he led an active life in the Irish National Theatre Society, was editor of The Irish Homestead and The Irish Statesman and played a crucial role on the Peace Committee formed during the 1913 Strike in Dublin and also in the Irish Home Rule Convention of 1917. 

JBY was commissioned to paint George Russell in 1902 by the American lawyer and patron, John Quinn. The original from 1903 is in the National Gallery of Ireland, while another from 1904 is in the Abbey Theatre, Dublin.