Paul Henry, Irish, 1876-1958
Title: Kate Anne Berry (the Artist's Mother)
Date: c.1907
Medium: Charcoal on paper
Dimensions:
41.5 x 56 cm
Credit Line: Purchased, 2016
Object Number: NGI.2016.225
DescriptionKate Anne Berry (1838-1928) was the eldest daughter of a Baptist minister. In 1872 she married Robert Mitchell Henry, a Presbyterian minister. Whistler represented all that was progressive in art for Henry and this early drawing clearly illustrates the American’s influence. Henry’s choice of model may refer to Whistler’s iconic painting of his mother which was in the Luxembourg Museum from 1891 while Henry was living in Paris.
ProvenanceThe Artist's studio and thence by descent to Mabel Henry; Adams, Dublin, 12 December 1975, lot 95, where purchased by Sean Collins; from whom acquired by anonymous owner, 1999; Sotheby's, London, Irish Art Sale, 13 Sep 2016, lot 8
Exhibition History(Possibly) Drawings, Paintings and Miniatures by Mr and Mrs Paul Henry, Ulster Art Club, Belfast, 23-28 September 1907, no.6
Paul Henry, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 19 February - 18 May 2003, no.11
Paul Henry, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 19 February - 18 May 2003, no.11
Inscriptionupper left (on verso, on frame): Charcoal study of his mother formerly Kate Berry, by Paul Henry R.H.A. The property of the late Mrs Henry.