Figures in a Boat

John Lavery , Irish, 1856-1941

Title

Figures in a Boat

Date1883

MediumEtching on paper

Dimensions

Plate: 28.7 x 14.9 cm

Signedlower left (in graphite): J Lavery 1883 lower right (in graphite): J Lavery 1883

Credit LinePurchased, 2017

Object numberNGI.2017.49

DescriptionBorn in Belfast, as a young boy Lavery moved to Scotland where he attended the Haldane Academy in Glasgow. In the early 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’ colony at Grez-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 unfamiliar 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.
ProvenanceSowden Family, thence by descent to the previous owner; puchased, 2017Exhibition HistoryNew Perspectives. Acquisitions 2011 - 2020, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 11 May - 2 August 2021