Irish Art
Irish Art
Property from the Collection of Sir Michael Smurfit
Manner of Francis Wheatley
The Courtship
Lot Closed
November 23, 04:48 PM GMT
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Property from the Collection of Sir Michael Smurfit
Francis Wheatley
The Courtship
bears signature F. Wheatley. (lower right)
oil on canvas
unframed: 61 by 47cm.; 22 by 18½in.
framed: 81 by 65.5cm.; 32 by 25¾in.
Athena Fine Art, Dublin (as Francis Wheatley), from where acquired by Sir Michael Smurfit.
The present work is painted in the tradition of British portrait painter, Francis Wheatley. Wheatley was born in London and is best known for his 'conversation' pieces, or informal, full-length group portraits on a small scale. Financial troubles caused him to flee to Ireland in 1779 where he travelled extensively, paintings scenes that captured the charm of everyday life. Five years later, he returned to London and was elected a Royal Academician in 1791.