Artistic gems from Irish legends past, present

Des O’Sullivan unfolds a treasure trove of art sales that include a rare Joseph O’Reilly and work by modern artists

With an early major work by John Luke and a history work by Daniel MacLise the James Adam sale of Important Irish Art in Dublin next Tuesday (Mar 26) at 6pm is of considerable interest.

Luke’s The Bathers from 1929 when he was a student at the Slade, was last seen in public in 1978 when it was part of the John Luke Exhibition organised by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. It is estimated at up to €20,000.