WHYTE'S IRISH & INTERNATIONAL ART 26 FEBRUARY 2018

34 John Luke RUA (1906-1975) PARTHENON HORSE watercolour signed lower right; titled and with provenance details on reverse 20 by 27in. (50.8 by 68.6cm) Provenance: BondWalker Gallery; Arches Gallery, Belfast; Whence purchased by Dr McKee in 1988; Whyte’s, 29 September 2008, lot 2; Private collection This exceptionally fine work most likely dates from the artist’s student days at the Slade. Painted in delicate sepia wash, it depicts a detail from the east pediment of the Parthenon (437-432 BC), acquired by the British Museum from Lord Elgin in 1816. The horse depicted is one of four leading the goddess Selene’s chariot, signifying the break of day. Luke most probably studied the Selene horse whilst in London, although plaster casts are also found in many academic collections, including that of the Crawford College of Art in Cork. Dickon Hall €3,000-€4,000 (£2,140-£2,860 approx.) Click Here for Large Images & To Bid Lot 34