Lot 141: Orla Egan (20th/21st Century) SORTING THE FISH,

Orla Egan (20th/21st Century) SORTING THE FISH, SPANISH ARCH oil on board signed lower right; inscribed with title on reverse 20 by 25cm., 8 by 10in. Orla Egan was born in Dublin and currently lives and works in Letterkenny, County Donegal. Painting in a primitive style, Egan's naive approach reflects the simplicity of her subjects. Her childhood in the West of Ireland forms a driving force in the subject matter of her work which frequently depicts rural landscapes and their inhabitants. She has exhibited with the Royal Hibernian Academy, The Royal Ulster Academy and Iontas among others. The subject of this work, Spanish Arch, is located on the left bank of the Corrib, where Galway's river meets the sea. Originally known as Ceann an Bhalla (Head of the Wall). this 16th century bastion was added to Galway's town walls to protect merchant ships from looting. Its present name 'Spanish Arch' refers to former merchant trade with Spain, whose ships often docked under its protection.