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John Butler Yeats , Irish, 1839-1922

Title

Portrait of Mrs Caughey

Date1916

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

102 x 71 cm

Signedupper right: J.B. Yeats, 1916

Credit LinePresented, Mrs L. Caughey-Guest, 1961

Object numberNGI.1727

ProvenancePresented, Mrs L. Caughey-Guest, 1961Exhibition HistoryJohn Butler Yeats and the Irish Renaissance, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 1972
Label TextJohn Yeats benefited much from the patronage of well-to-do Americans. He painted a number of portraits of this society hostess, two of which were gifted to the National Gallery of Ireland by the sitter. Mary Caughey invited John Yeats to a soirée at her home in 1915 and their friendship lasted until his death. He wrote playfully to her in a letter dated 8 April 1916: ‘Did you ever throw a book at your daughter or your husband? If so be careful. They may write their memoirs.’