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Matthew James Lawless (1837-1864)
A Light Repast
Oil on canvas, 17.7 x 23.2cm (6¾ x 9¼”)
Signed with initials and inscribed with title in the wet paint
Mathew James Lawless was considered by his peers to have the prospect of a brilliant career only
to fall into ill health and die at the age of 27 in 1864. Consequently there have been very few of his
paintings on the market or indeed on display in galleries but those that do appear testify to Lawless’
brilliant talent. He was described by Strickland as a ‘subject painter’ and ‘book illustrator’. Having
studied in London under Henry O’Neill he began contributing drawings to ‘Once a week’ and other
periodicals and books. His first contribution to the Royal Academy was in 1858 and he continued
to exhibit until 1863.
€1,000 - 1,500