IRISH & INTERNATIONAL ART 28 September 2026

60 36 William Conor OBE RHA RUA ROI (1881-1968) JEAN oil on canvas laid on board signed upper left; titled on John Magee gallery label on reverse 17.75 by 13.75in. (45.1 by 34.9cm) Frame Size: 24 by 20in. (61 by 50.8cm) Provenance: By descent from the sitter to the previous owner; Whyte’s, 29 September 2008, lot 108; Private collection Accompanied by a letter from the sitter, Jean McAneavy (née Stoneley), reciting the circumstance which led to her portrait being painted, and photograph of her, aged seven or eight. William Conor was a friend of Jean’s mother, the novelist Annie M. Stoneley. Conor was devastated at the death of his mother and unable to paint. Annie Stoneley, who was interested in Spiritualism, therefore suggested that Conor attend a séance with her, which he did, and after receiving an apparent message from his mother, wished to repay Mrs Stoneley for her kindness. He offered to paint a portrait of her only daughter, Jean, by way of thanks. Subsequently Jean attended Conor’s studio on Saturday mornings to sit for her portrait. He sat the child in front of a mirror and painted her reflection, intending to title the work Reflections. In the original frame of John Magee, Belfast. €5,000-€7,000 (£4,270-£5,980 approx.) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot36