Phelan Gibb 'Naked Figures in a Woodland Scene'
DESCRIPTION: A large oil painting on board by artist Harry Phelan Gibb of Irish descent. The work shows three naked figures in a woodland scene with red-roofed houses in the distance. An amazing large work and a nice early piece, which is signed and dated 1916. There is an unfinished work on the back of the painting depicting a group of men around a table. The dark woodland colours in the front painting have been applied over a vibrant colour base which gives the greens a richness. The painting is a naive progression of post-impressionism with hints of cubism in the way the women are depicted. Gibb's style at this time caused a stir and it was paintings of this genre that were confiscated in an exhibition in Ireland. The naive style was not to everyone's taste but this work shows Gibb's unique style and commitment to the development of his art. A very important painting which should really be viewed with the same appreciation of the works of Gibb's contemporaries such as Matisse, Gris and Picasso - all of whom Gibb exhibited alongside.
TITLE: Naked Figures in a Woodland Scene, with Houses in the distance
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: UK
SIZE OF BOARD: 70.7 x 90.7 cm (27.84 x 35.71 inches)
MEDIUM: Oil on board
DATE: 1916
PROVENANCE: Private London collection ... John Nicholson's, Fernhurst, West Sussex, 25th March 2020, lot 294, 'An auction of Fine Paintings, Including Oils, Watercolours, Prints, Maps and Engravings and a Collection of Russian Paintings', (illustrated on page 42 of the catalogue).
CONDITION: Main image - Good condition for age. Water marks to the top of the work, some dents around the edges of the board (would be concealed if framed), a few small marks. Could do with a clean and a varnish to bring the colours out. Image verso - A few large scratches.
