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129 JOSEPH MCWILLIAMS PPRUA (1938-2015)Orange Men and Indians
Oil on canvas, 152 x 201cm (59¼ x 79”)
Signed and dated 1991; inscribed with title verso
McWilliams had for a long time been stimulated to paint the Twelfth of July marches in different parts of Belfast. This work, early as it may seem, is part
of a series of works which had its culmination in a group of works collectively known as ‘Orangemen Leaving Church’, which McWilliams began in the mid-
1990s. To the left is clearly seen a figure of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, now known as the Police Service of Northern Ireland, no doubt ostensibly in
charge of this part of the march. Given the high-rise building in the background the setting for the scene seems to be central Belfast. The banners in the
parade can also be seen as the marchers wind their way to ‘the field’, where they will listen to political speeches. The symbolism implicit in the ‘Cul de sac
road ends’ sign is no doubt intentional. As always, paintings by McWilliams of this time are very colourful and bright.
Dr SB Kennedy, November 2016
€ 3,000 - 5,000