Lot 1034 ANNE YEATS RHA (1919 - 2001)
Two After Dark. Lithograph. Signed in pencil and numbered 2/70
Provenance: Private Collection
Framed
Two After Dark is a captivating limited-edition lithograph by Anne Yeats that depicts an enigmatic nocturnal scene. In this composition, two indistinct figures are present under the veil of night – perhaps a pair of friends or lovers – rendered in Yeats’s characteristically lyrical and expressive style. The background is a deep velvety blue-black, suggesting the enveloping darkness of an evening sky or a dimly lit interior. Against this, the forms of the two figures are hinted at in flowing shapes of lighter tone – one might discern the curve of shoulders, or the profile of a face turned in conversation. Yeats employs a gentle, almost dreamlike approach: edges are soft, and details are minimal, yet the emotional ambiance is palpable. There is a sense of intimacy and quiet mystery, as if we are observing a private moment or a scene from a folktale. The title Two After Dark invites interpretation – are these two people meeting under starlight? Or two animals, or even abstract spirits of the night? Yeats leaves it open, focusing on mood over narrative. The print’s surface likely shows the textured quality of the lithographic crayon, adding to its richness. Numbered 2 out of an edition of 70 and hand-signed by the artist, this work is not only visually poetic but also a collectible piece of Irish art history. It exemplifies Anne Yeats’s talent for merging the everyday with the fantastical, even in a simple scene of two figures in the dark.
Biography
Anne Yeats (1919–2001) was an influential Irish painter, printmaker, and stage designer, whose work reflected both a rich personal imagination and deep engagement with the visual arts in Ireland. The daughter of poet W.B. Yeats, she grew up surrounded by creativity but quickly carved out her own independent artistic identity. Demonstrating precocious talent, she began formal training in her early teens and by the late 1930s was already working in theatre design, contributing notably to Irish stagecraft.
In the decades that followed, Yeats turned increasingly to painting and printmaking. Her work blended observation and fantasy, often depicting domestic scenes, figures, and dreamlike compositions with lyrical intensity. Her style ranged from bold, colour-rich oils to delicate watercolours and expressive lithographs, many of which explored personal, mythical, or intimate themes.
Yeats played a pivotal role in Ireland’s modern art scene, contributing to the development of fine art printmaking and championing creative communities throughout her life. She was active in artist-led initiatives and recognised by her peers as both a skilled practitioner and a cultural leader.
Anne Yeats’s legacy is one of quiet innovation and enduring vision. While her family name linked her to a celebrated artistic heritage, her own work earned her a place among the most respected Irish artists of the 20th century. Her paintings and prints continue to resonate for their emotional depth, narrative quality, and unique perspective.
€300 - 500
Image: 36 x 46 cm Framed: 57 x 70 cm (approx.)
Wednesday 28th May 2025
14:55:15
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