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Paul Henry , Irish, 1876-1958

Title

Sketch 'Old Age'

Datec.1910-1919

MediumGraphite on paper

Dimensions

19.4 x 14.3 cm

Signedlower right (in graphite): Paul Hry

Credit LinePresented, 2019

Object numberNGI.2019.218

DescriptionStudies such as this were mainly done by Henry during his early years on Achill Island.

On Achill, Henry became known as ‘the sketcher’, often drawing the islanders in a sketchbook concealed behind other papers. He used these sketches, often years later, as source material for his compositions. This drawing of an old woman, wrapped in a shawl, is probably a leaf from a sketchbook, and has been dated c.1910-19 by S.B. Kennedy on stylistic grounds.
ProvenanceArtist’s studio until 1957; sale, de Veres, Dublin, 26 May 1992, lot 146, probably acquired by David Britton; thence to the previous owner; presented, 2019Exhibition HistoryShannon, 1957