12
1
William John Leech RHA (1881-1968)
On a Seat in the Park
Oil on panel, 22.7 x 28cm (9 x 11”)
Signed
Provenance: Purchased from Leo Smith, Dawson Gallery (circa 1950)
by J.P. Reihill Snr; Deepwell, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Exhibited: Irish Art from Private Galleries 1870-1930, Wexford Arts
Centre, 1977, Cat. No. 30
This work is a fine example of Leech’s delight in radiant colour and its
application to the picture plane in resonating dots. The artist juxtaposes
flamingo pink, yellow and turquoise dabs to described the grove of trees.
Shadows are few, the only dark tones being the gestural brushstrokes
which describe the two figures seated on the park bench. This panel may
be a view in Regent’s Park, London where Leech painted many scenes
of overhanging reflected trees, bridges, and people in boats, before and
especially after the Second World War. However, like
Selling Songs
(sold in
these rooms, Important Irish Art Sale, 30th May 2012, Lot 37), its colour
range and atmosphere suggest that the artist painted the work in France.
€3,000 - 5,000
