$45,825
William John Hennessy (Irish/American, 1839-1917) Out and About After the Snowfall Signed and dated "W J Hennessy 1860" l. l., artist identified in information affixed to the stretcher. Oil on canvas, 18 x 24 1/4 in. (45.7 x 61.6 cm), framed. Condition: Flaking and losses to left edge, retouch, craquelure, surface grime. N.B. William John Hennessy was born in 1839 in Kilkenny, Ireland, but moved to the U.S. at a young age due to his father's affiliation with the Young Ireland movement. His family settled in New York, where Hennessy received most of his education through tutors. Hennessy's paintings and illustrations depicting everyday life can be viewed as part of the American counterpart to the English Pre-Raphaelite movement. His works offer a sense of tranquility and sentimentality, and are marked by their realistic portrayal of nature and beautiful use of color. Hennessy entered the National Academy of Design in 1854 and co-founded the Artist's Fund Society. By 1870 Hennessy had moved to London where he exhibited widely and, in 1902, joined the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2007-09-07
