Standish O'Grady (1832-1915), Scholar

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John Butler Yeats , Irish, 1839-1922

Title

Date1902

MediumGraphite on paper

Dimensions

34 x 22.6 cm

Signedlower right: JBYeats/ May 3rd/ 1902

Credit LinePurchased, 1932

Object numberNGI.2936

DescriptionStandish O’Grady played a formative role in the Celtic Revival, publishing his three-volume History of Ireland between 1878 and 1880. His mythical tales, recreating the history and legends of Ireland, reawakened in the Irish an appreciation for the rich tradition and linguistic vitality of their native land, and influenced both George Russell (A.E.) and W.B. Yeats. In addition to this densely worked pencil portrait, commissioned by Lady Gregory for her gallery of distinguished Irish writers, the artist painted an oil portrait of O’Grady for Hugh Lane (Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane) and a second for John Quinn in 1904.
ProvenancePurchased, Coole Park, Lady Gregory Sale, 1932Exhibition HistoryW.B. Yeats: A Centenary Exhibition, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 1965

Paintings and Drawings by John Butler Yeats from the Collection of Senator Michael B. Yeats and the National Gallery of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 1972

Ireland's Literary Renaissance: 20th century portraits, Chicago, 1980

At a Glance - Portraits by John Butler Yeats, National Gallery of Ireland, 24 October 2015 - 17 January 2016
Label TextStandish O’Grady played a formative role in the Celtic Revival, publishing his three-volume History of Ireland between 1878 and 1880. His mythical tales, recreating the history and legends of Ireland, reawakened in the Irish an appreciation for the rich tradition and linguistic vitality of their native land, and influenced both George Russell (A.E.) and W.B. Yeats. In addition to this densely worked pencil portrait, commissioned by Lady Gregory for her gallery of distinguished Irish writers, the artist painted an oil portrait of O’Grady for Hugh Lane (Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane) and a second for John Quinn in 1904.