John Lavery, Irish, 1856-1941
Title: Figures in a Boat
Date: 1883
Medium: Etching on paper
Dimensions:
Plate: 28.7 x 14.9 cm
Signed: lower left (in graphite): J Lavery 1883
lower right (in graphite): J Lavery 1883
Credit Line: Purchased, 2017
Object Number: NGI.2017.49
DescriptionBorn in Belfast, as a young boy Lavery moved to Scotland where he attended the Haldane Academy in Glasgow. In the eraly 1880s he was in Paris where he studied drawing at the Academie Julian and painting at Colarossi's studio. In 1883, he spent time at the artists's colony at Gez-sur-Loing, a pretty village near the forest of Fontainbleau. He was friendly with fellow Irish Artist Frank O'Meara and the French painter Jules Bastien- Lepage, whose work influenced his developing style.
This rare etching (possibly unique) is accompanied by a handwritten note from Lavery stating that it is his only print. It is likely he made it in 1883 following encouragement from an artist who made prints, perhaps James Abbott McNeill Whistler who Lavery was close to. Although a notoriously difficult man, Whistler attracted a good number of pupils and followers both amateur and professional. Lavery was a pall-bearer at Whistler's funeral, which had few mourners. Although quite tentative in terms of technique, the composition is well-realised and it is signed prominently lower left (in graphite): J. LAVERY 1883. It shows the painter experimenting with an unfamilar medium, using line to create reflections and a sense of light and shadow. It is close compositionally to Return from the Market (NGI 2011.11), and may be helpful in clarifying the date of that painting. It is in reasonable condition, although like many works on paper of this date it shows evidence of foxing.
This rare etching (possibly unique) is accompanied by a handwritten note from Lavery stating that it is his only print. It is likely he made it in 1883 following encouragement from an artist who made prints, perhaps James Abbott McNeill Whistler who Lavery was close to. Although a notoriously difficult man, Whistler attracted a good number of pupils and followers both amateur and professional. Lavery was a pall-bearer at Whistler's funeral, which had few mourners. Although quite tentative in terms of technique, the composition is well-realised and it is signed prominently lower left (in graphite): J. LAVERY 1883. It shows the painter experimenting with an unfamilar medium, using line to create reflections and a sense of light and shadow. It is close compositionally to Return from the Market (NGI 2011.11), and may be helpful in clarifying the date of that painting. It is in reasonable condition, although like many works on paper of this date it shows evidence of foxing.
ProvenanceThe Sowden Family an dby descent to the previous owner. On offer of purchase by Colin Rafferty, Chletenham.
