Paul Henry RHA (1877-1958)

Looking Towards Achill from the East of Achill Sound(c.1925)

Oil on board, 30.5 x 40.5 cm(12 x 16")
Signed

 

Provenance: Private UK Collection.

 

In this view,...

Paul Henry RHA (1877-1958)

Looking Towards Achill from the East of Achill Sound(c.1925)

Oil on board, 30.5 x 40.5 cm(12 x 16")
Signed

 

Provenance: Private UK Collection.

 

In this view, which looks towards Achill Island from the East of Achill Sound, the sky already appears as if rain is approaching, although there are gentle reflections in the water. The note of running fences in the foreground is a typical Henry feature, as is the feature in the lightness of the background, which contrasts with the foreground and the mountain in the background. The area is literally strewn with mountains, as a trip through it will confirm. Also the principal mountain, which dominates the scene, is Slievemore. Before going to Achill, Henry was a plain-dweller and the abruptness of the mountain contours he tells us in hisIrish Portrait(Henry, 1951, p. 50) now disturbed him. On Achill, too, the sea was constantly encountered, its sudden changes of mood and temper often affecting life and fortune. The fragility of mans survival in the face of the powers of nature, which made such an impact on Henrys perceptions of the island, are clear to be seen in this striking picture. The simplicity of the composition, which dominates no more than three separate elementsthe sky, the mass of the mountain which dominates all, the narrow strip of sea in the backgroundillustrates the severity of the artists Post Impressionism and the force of his compositional technique.

 

On the reverse are labels of James Bourlet, with the number 58538, also the number 30 and the address of Bregazzi, Dublin. Also on the reverse it is numbered 1320the next number, with the title, in Dr. S. B. Kennedys ongoing catalouguing of Henrysoeuvre.

 

Dr. S.B. Kennedy February 2018

 

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