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7
Daniel O’Neill (1920-1974)
The Clown
Oil on board, 55 x 51cm (26 x 20”)
Signed
Provenance: From the Collection of George and Maura McClelland and on loan from them to
IMMA from 1999 - 2004; Private Collection Dublin
Literature :
Daniel O’Neill (1920 - 1974) : Landscape and Figure Painter
by Gena Lynam,
Irish Arts Review Vol 15 1999, illustrated p.139.
There are three separate inscriptions written by George McClelland verso. The first dated
December 1969 states “ This was the first of Dan’s bright paintings painted shortly after we
discussed his return to Belfast and the idea of collecting a group of paintings to put on a one
man exhibition in Belfast. It started a “Bright happy period in his life” he said later on the
night of the opening of his exhibition”.
Then in March 1973 George added “Conversation with Dan when a hint was made that this
painting was a self portrait”.
And in June 1974 George wrote “Dan’s painting continued in this bright mode almost
without exception during the next three years. During the period he became a member of
AA and had a long period of non-drinking”.
For further information on Daniel O’Neill see note at lot 8.
€10,000 - 15,000
