Roderic O'Conor (1860-1940), Le Verger (1893)

Roderic O'Conor is perhaps Ireland's most celebrated and highy regarded impressionist artist. Best known as a painter, he was also a masterful and accomplished draughtsmen . His works feature in many major collections worldwide.

O'Conor was born in Co Roscommon and studied in Dublin at the Metropolitan School of Art and Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin.  O'Conor spent much of his life in France.

In 1889, after a decade of rigorous academic training, O’Conor became increasingly influenced by the avant-garde movement and exhibited several times at the Salon des Indépendants. He soon began venturing to Brittany, where he was inspired by the artistic communities, developing close friendships with Paul Gauguin, Emile Bernard, and Armand Séguin. 

Under the mentorship of his friend Armand Séguin, O'Conor produced a series of etchings, some enhanced with drypoint. They are remarkably expressive, with dramatically layered, fluid lines. They are testament to O’Conor’s natural ability with the etching needle. 

Labelled as Le verger (The orchard) this image captures the movement, light and shadow as well as natural forms of trees and skies of this orchard in Brittany. 

This plate was dated 1893, and was printed as a limited edition in 1981. The original plate for this print was sold at the Hotel Drouot, Paris on 17 November 1975 (lot 172 no. 1) as Chemin sous bois. Later printed as a restrike by Paul Prouté in 1981, in an edition of 100 with the title Sentier à travers les arbres (Path through the trees).

Etching on cream wove paper.  Image dimensions: 33 x 25.5.5cm. Newly framed with non-reflective UV resistant glass and acid-free mount. Provenance: Paul Prouté, Gravures et Dessins, Rue de Seine and Rue Clément, Paris. (Private collection, France)

Artworks are on display in our Clare Street shop. If purchased online, worldwide shipping can be arranged.