Last Sketch by Jack Butler Yeats

Titled `Roundabout ponies’, the pen and ink drawing (measuring just over 5 x 4 inches) is estimated to sell for £1,500-2,000. Photo: Bonhams.


LONDON.- An interesting little sketch, known as the last work Jack B Yeats (Irish 1871-1957) ever did, has been consigned by the family of his former nurse for sale in Bonhams first Irish Art Sale in London on 9th February 2011.

Titled `Roundabout ponies’, the pen and ink drawing (measuring just over 5 x 4 inches) is estimated to sell for £1,500-2,000.

The sketch was gifted directly from the artist to the matron of Portobello Nursing Home in Dublin, where he died. They had been friends for a long time and he gave her this little sketch.

Hilary Pyle (author of the Yeats Catalogue Raisonne) says of it "He died on 28 March 1957. His last drawing, a tiny gay swirling sketch of two roundabout ponies on writing paper, was drawn two days before."

Penny Day, Head of Irish Art at Bonhams, says:”This work, although slight, is of great interest as it is the final work he produced. Renowned for his iconic depictions of horses, Ireland and her people; this little gem exhibits the unique artistic vitality he had right to the end. And the fact that he presented it as a gift to someone who had looked after him during his last days adds additional poignancy.”