Lot 316: George Bernard O'Neill (1828-1917)

Study for 'The Jury' (lot 315) pencil and red and yellow chalk 163/4 x 12 in. (42.6 x 30.5 cm.) PROVENANCE George C. Dewhurst. A. Dewhurst; and by descent to William Mostyn-Owen, London. Anon. sale, Christie's, London, 13 May 1977, lot 66, as 'The Obstinate Juryman', when acquired by the present owner. NOTES This sketch for the central figure in A Jury has remained with the oil (lot 315) since its execution. It shows the strength of O'Neill's draughtsmanship. It is intriguing to see that the ear-trumpet, which indicates the juror's deafness in the painting, is barely delineated at all. Perhaps this twist in the picture's narrative was confirmed at a later stage. However, the drawing does clarify those physical mannerisms that O'Neill accentuates to convey obstinancy: the man's legs are planted firmly, and his fists skewered determinedly upon his knees.