€3,200
Star Lot: A fantastic original oil on board painting by the listed artist Margaret Clarke (1884-1961). Features a delicately rendered bountiful bouquet of flowers in a crystal vase. The soft tones reflect the texture of the flowers, contrasting with the glimmer of the crystal. Signed bottom left. Housed in elaborate gilt frame. Clarke was one of the early successful Irish women artists, and carefully guarded the legacy of her husband Harry Clarke. She sells fantastically at auction with her highest price at Whytes being €48,000.
Mm: 39 x 48 cm
Born Margaret Crilley in Newry, Co. Down, Clarke first studied at the Newry Municipal Technical College, before commencing studies for the Art Teacher’s Certificate at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art. Her talent was recognised through several school prizes and scholarships, and by her teacher William Orpen. Following the completion of her own studies, Clarke was appointed as Orpen’s teaching assistant and, when he ceased teaching at the school in 1914, she was appointed in his stead. In 1927, Clarke was elected a full Academician of the Royal Hibernian Academy, only the second female artist to achieve this professional recognition at this date. Her position as one of Ireland’s leading portraitists was consolidated by several high-profile commissions, while her allegorical, religious, and subject paintings show the breadth of her artistic interests.Clarke’s position as a significant artist in Irish art history has recently been re-established through a publication and the exhibition Margaret Clarke: An Independent Spirit which was on display at the National Gallery of Ireland and F.E. McWilliam Gallery in 2017.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Online Bidding:
28.29% inc VAT*