Paul Henry, R.H.A. (1876-1958)

A good example of Paul Henry's early Achill period and (although smaller in size) in effect a companion piece to An old Man from Connacht [see lot 33] of the same period. The characterization, handling of paint with precise strokes of a small brush which deftly describe the forms, the almost monochromatic range of colours and the cottage door also link it to An old Man from Connacht composition. After he first went to Achill Island Henry made a number of observational studies, all about this size, of the life he found there, such as My Friend Michael Mangan, The Blacksmith, and My Host and Hostess (all 1910-13, Ulster Museum, Belfast). It is in the context of those works that An Old Woman should be seen.

B.K.