Great interest in O’Driscoll’s sale

The auction house is to be commended, writes Des O’Sullivan.

The Irish and International art auction by Morgan O’Driscoll at the RDS at 6pm on Monday is of great interest for a variety of reasons.

The catalogue lists 161 lots featuring work by known and relatively unknown Irish artists of varying periods and widely different estimates.

Topping the list is a marvellous west-of-Ireland landscape by Paul Henry — Evening in Achill — with an estimate of €150,000-€250,000.

The artist, who died in 1958, is well known and widely appreciated at home and abroad.

Prior to this auction, Morgan O’Driscoll has shown the work of less well-known contemporary figures feature alongside this work to audiences in London and New York.

It was a first airing in New York.

Famine Ship by John Behan (€8,000-€12,000)

He has held London viewings for major sales for a number of years and this has borne fruit at the subsequent auctions.

Christie’s and Sotheby’s have introduced Irish art to international audiences at the upper levels of the market, while Morgan O’Driscoll is doing it at less stratospheric reach.

For this service to Irish art and artists he is to be credited.

After viewings in London, New York, and Cork, this auction is now on show at the RDS from 11am to 6pm today and tomorrow and from 10am to 4pm on Monday.

It can also be viewed online.

American audiences please take note.