WHYTE'S IMPORTANT IRISH ART Monday 11 March 2024 at 6pm

80 54 Daniel O’Neill (1920-1974) JULIE oil on canvas titled on reverse 21 by 17in. (53.3 by 43.2cm) Frame Size: 28 by 24in. (71.1 by 61cm) In portraiture, with notable exceptions, the probing of the sitter’s personality or psychological disposition is a relatively recent approach ushered in by the Romantic movement in the 19th century and later explored by expressionist artists in the 20th century with the focus on the inner life of the individual. O’Neill, throughout his career, painted many portraits of women. Drawing on both Italianate and primitive traditions he often set his subjects within a domestic setting, at times in a classical three quarter pose, sometimes with a view beyond the interior. By contrast, on occasions, and for more expressive power, he drew upon the stylistic characteristics of mannerist art - elongated figure, confrontational pose, heightened, emotive, less naturalistic colours. O’Neill clearly was also aware of the influence of the art of other cultures, which was having such an influence in the development of modernism, in the work of Picasso, Gauguin and Modigliani which he would have seen in Paris and in London. ’Julie’ is a fine example of this tendency in his portraiture. As with most portraits by O’Neill, whether depicting a bride, actress or model, he captures a brooding presence. Often his female studies are taken out of time, sometimes by the use of historical costume. With ‘Julie’ there is more of a confident, confrontational presence. The disposition of her elegant fore-square arms registering a proud strength of character. The background is spare and neutral - a light blue with underpainting breaking through. The figure is simply conceived and sculptural with little evidence of his trade mark impasto. Unlike many of his more decorative portraits the subject’s clothes are plain and understated, rendered in light blue and white, in contrast to her dark skin - depicted by way of tones of brown and orange. Her earrings and necklace are the only concession to the decorative. Her brooding, assured face tilts away from the gaze of the artist and in turn the viewer; her left arm raised in what might be seen as a defensive gesture of self-assurance. ‘Julie’ then, in style and treatment, is markedly different from the usual range of O’Neill’s portraits. Prof. Liam Kelly, February 2024 €20,000-€30,000 (£17,090-£25,640 approx.) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot54