John Butler Yeats, Irish, 1839-1922
Title: Standish O'Grady (1832-1915), Scholar
Date: 1902
Medium: Graphite on paper
Dimensions:
34 x 22.6 cm
Signed: lower right: JBYeats/ May 3rd/ 1902
Credit Line: Purchased, 1932
Object Number: NGI.2936
DescriptionStandish O’Grady played a formative role in the Celtic Revival, publishing his three-volume History of Ireland between 1878 and 1880. His mythical tales, recreating the history and legends of Ireland, reawakened in the Irish an appreciation for the rich tradition and linguistic vitality of their native land, and influenced both George Russell (A.E.) and W.B. Yeats. In addition to this densely worked pencil portrait, commissioned by Lady Gregory for her gallery of distinguished Irish writers, the artist painted an oil portrait of O’Grady for Hugh Lane (Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane) and a second for John Quinn in 1904.
ProvenancePurchased, Coole Park, Lady Gregory Sale, 1932
Exhibition HistoryW.B. Yeats: A Centenary Exhibition, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 1965
Paintings and Drawings by John Butler Yeats from the Collection of Senator Michael B. Yeats and the National Gallery of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 1972
Ireland's Literary Renaissance: 20th century portraits, Chicago, 1980
At a Glance - Portraits by John Butler Yeats, National Gallery of Ireland, 24 October 2015 - 17 January 2016
Paintings and Drawings by John Butler Yeats from the Collection of Senator Michael B. Yeats and the National Gallery of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 1972
Ireland's Literary Renaissance: 20th century portraits, Chicago, 1980
At a Glance - Portraits by John Butler Yeats, National Gallery of Ireland, 24 October 2015 - 17 January 2016
Label TextStandish O’Grady played a formative role in the Celtic Revival, publishing his three-volume History of Ireland between 1878 and 1880. His mythical tales, recreating the history and legends of Ireland, reawakened in the Irish an appreciation for the rich tradition and linguistic vitality of their native land, and influenced both George Russell (A.E.) and W.B. Yeats. In addition to this densely worked pencil portrait, commissioned by Lady Gregory for her gallery of distinguished Irish writers, the artist painted an oil portrait of O’Grady for Hugh Lane (Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane) and a second for John Quinn in 1904.