Daniel O'Neill (1920-1974) Sisters Oil on board, 35 x 52.5cm, (13.75 x 20.75'') Signed Original Artist's Exhibition label verso Exhibited: Daniel O'Neill Exhibition The Victor Waddington...

Daniel O'Neill (1920-1974) Sisters Oil on board, 35 x 52.5cm, (13.75 x 20.75'') Signed Original Artist's Exhibition label verso Exhibited: Daniel O'Neill Exhibition The Victor Waddington Galleries, Dublin, March 1955, Catalogue number 18 Sisters depicts two figures, standing confidently in front of an expansive landscape scene. While much of O'Neill's work shares this figure and landscape subject matter, the scene here is clearer than that seen in other works, which display a raw and intuitive abstract quality. The sibling's similarities are seen here not only in their faces, which are typical of O'Neill's females, but in the repetition of the folded arms of both women. This gesture evokes a sense of unity in the composition and a sense of solidarity between the sisters, which is reinforced by the crossing of their gazes. The stances of the two figures suggest a protective mood, which relates to both the relationship between the sisters and perhaps their claim to the land they stand before. Much of O'Neill's work has been described as 'withdrawn' or 'isolated', yet it seems here the sense of disengagement with the viewer functions only to intrigue us further into the nature of the scene, and the solitary figures seem to be here by choice. Paradoxically, the figures both unite the picture in their commonalities and create interest in their differences. The sister on the right appears strong willed and unmovable, yet her sister's slight twist in stance and tilted head suggest a more distracted mind. Ultimately the viewer is inspired by the questions pertaining to the relationship between the three entities depicted - each sister, and the landscape. While the composition is harmonious there is a sense of unease created by the ambiguous glances of the siblings. An implied narrative that may never be known underlies this scene of infinite intrigue.

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