Robert Healy
, Irish, 1743-1771
Title
Self-PortraitDate1765
MediumBlack and white chalk on paper
Dimensions
57.5 x 42 cm
Signedlower right: R. Healy 1765
Credit LinePurchased, 1901
Object numberNGI.2438
DescriptionThis portrait shows the artist set against a dark background, which is typical of his bust-length portraits. In his full-length portraits, Healy generally depicted his models in a natural setting. Because he never used colours, it has been suggested that Healy was colour-blind.Robert Healy was the son of a successful Dublin architect and decorator. He studied at the Dublin Society Schools, where he learned the technique of chalk and pastel. Healy's work is influenced by the portrait mezzotints of his slightly older compatriot, Thomas Frye, and the effect of Healy's grisaille chalks has been likened to that of mezzotint prints.
Healy was based in Dublin, but stayed frequently at the country house of his patrons in order to make his portraits in situ. Among his best work is a series of pastels he drew for Lady Louisa Conolly while staying at Castletown in 1765. He died a relatively young man, apparently from a cold he had caught while sketching in the part of another of his patrons, Lord Moira. During his lifetime Healy was particularly respected for his depictions of horses; however, few of these are known today.
(National Gallery of Ireland: Essential Guide, 2008)
ProvenancePurchased, P. Walsh and Son, Dublin, 1901