WHYTE'S IRISH & INTERNATIONAL ART 29 MAY 2023 AT 6PM

111 IRISH & INTERNATIONAL ART - 29 MAY 2023 AT 6PM 81 Rory Breslin (b.1963) THE APRIL MASK bronze; (no. 1 from an edition of 3) signed and numbered at top 23.75 by 12 by 6in. (60.3 by 30.5 by 15.2cm) The fourth mask from the Clew Bay Series, which observes the annual emergence of native flora and fauna as they appear in the Co. Mayo bay area. With a look of intense curiousity, the countenance of the youth is animated and engaging. Crowned with a cascade of Wild Parsnip or Cuirdín bán leaves atop which two symmetrical and spiralling Egrets vie for their meal. Rare in Ireland until recent, the egret is highly revered by the Cherokee, its feathers associated with peace and worn by diplomats when peace making. Below the crown of leaves, framing the face, and used occasionally for St Brigid’s cross, are two pairs of Bullrushes, behind which are the leaves of the Common Nettle and Bramble. Climbing inwards from forehead, cheeks and chin are Bush Vetch and Sticky-backs or Cleavers, the former once boiled to make a remedy for measles and smallpox while the latter an old remedy for burns and wounds. From either side of the base of the rushes and underneath the chin, are a circular ruff of the satellite- like leaves of the Marsh Violet. Interspersed within the leaves are the flowers of the Violet and also the Bluebell, the flower of Endymion. €4,000-€6,000 (£3,510-£5,260 approx.) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot81