Extraordinary 1876 William Magrath Watercolor Portrait of Young Woman SIGNED

Description: About this work: “Portrait of a Young Woman, 1876” by William Magrath (Irish-American, 1838-1918). A truly exceptional watercolor depicting a beautiful young woman at bust length. Painted in meticulous detail with soft features and subtle toning, the woman stands against a leafy green background and glances away from the viewer. Magrath captures a lifelike quality in her features, emphasizing her youth and dignity. Her attire—a dark, simple garment with a hint of a white blouse underneath—suggests she is of modest means, consistent with the artist’s frequent depictions of Irish and working-class subjects. This painting exemplifies Magrath’s ability to combine realism with a touch of romanticism, elevating an ordinary subject into a work of timeless beauty. Magrath exhibited several works at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, including a currently unlocated watercolor titled “Nora,” which may in fact be this work. The work is watercolor on paper laid to board and is signed and dated in the upper right. It is beautifully framed behind glass. Size: 18.5 inches tall by 14.5 inches wide (painting) 25.25 inches tall by 21.25 inches wide by 1.5 inches deep (frame) Provenance: Private collection, PA; Acquired from the above About the artist: William Magrath was a Cork, Ireland-born figure painter and follower of Alma Tadema. He was educated at the Blue Coat School and the School of Art in Cork, after which he moved to New York City where he was to eventually become an elected member of the Academy of Design in America. He returned to Ireland in the 1880s and made a sketching tour of West Cork and Kerry. Forever restless, he traveled through Europe. His watercolor Bacchantes was exhibited at the Crawford in 1893 and was said to portray "vivacious figures in the foreground ... admirably displayed against the bright blue of the Hellenic Sea" (Cork Examiner, 24 November 1893). Examples of his work are in the Crawford Gallery, Cork, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. (See also Peter Murray, Illustrated Summary Catalog of the Crawford Municipal Gallery of Art, 1992, pp. 178-179 and Snoddy, pp. 405-407). Condition: Very good overall condition. Craquelure in areas of thickly applied pigment, commensurate with age. Frame with typical minor wear from handling. It is ready to be displayed and enjoyed! This work will be carefully packed and shipped with insurance and signature confirmation. Free local pick up is also available. International buyers - please note I cannot lower the declared value of the package for customs. I frequently receive messages from people after I sell an item, asking if it is definitely gone. If something catches your eye, don't hesitate to inquire before it is sold! Feel free to ask any questions.

Price: 2500 USD

Location: Morrisville, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2025-01-09T02:38:28.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD