Where can I see Portrait of The Artist's Wife, Susan Mary Pollexfen (1841-1900)?

Portrait of The Artist's Wife, Susan Mary Pollexfen (1841-1900) is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

What movement is Portrait of The Artist's Wife, Susan Mary Pollexfen (1841-1900)?

Portrait of The Artist's Wife, Susan Mary Pollexfen (1841-1900) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Portrait of The Artist's Wife, Susan Mary Pollexfen (1841-1900)

Portrait of The Artist's Wife, Susan Mary Pollexfen (1841-1900) is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist John Butler Yeats. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

The woman's attire and hairstyle suggest a formal and modest style, characteristic of the late 19th century.

This portrait depicts a woman with dark hair, pulled back and adorned with a dark headpiece. She wears a dark coat with a high collar and a dark scarf around her neck. Her gaze is directed to the left side of the image, and her expression is neutral. The background of the painting is a dark brown color.

The woman's attire and hairstyle suggest a formal and modest style, characteristic of the late 19th century. The artist's use of dark colors and subtle lighting creates a somber and introspective mood.

For more information on the artist who created this portrait, look up John Butler Yeats.

Overview

Portrait of The Artist's Wife, Susan Mary Pollexfen is an 1875 oil painting by John Butler Yeats, featuring his wife in a formal, late 19th-century attire, set against a dark brown background.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Susan Mary Pollexfen, is depicted with a neutral expression and averted gaze, conveying a sense of introspection. Her dark, modest clothing and hairstyle reflect the conservative fashion of the time.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the portrait exhibits characteristics of Impressionist style, though the predominant use of dark colors and subtle lighting creates a somber, contemplative atmosphere, deviating from typical Impressionist brightness.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection. John Butler Yeats, a prolific portraitist, also created works of his notable sons, William and Jack Butler Yeats.

Context

Created in 1875, the portrait situates itself within the late 19th-century artistic landscape, where Impressionism was gaining prominence. Yeats' approach, however, leans towards a more subdued interpretation of this style.

Legacy

While the painting's broader impact on the art world is not distinctly outlined, it remains significant as a representation of John Butler Yeats' oeuvre and a familial connection to the renowned Yeats literary and artistic lineage.