Masked Profile (Image from Head of James Joyce series)
Print, likely a lithograph or carborundum print on heavy paper • Louis le Brocquy (Irish, 1916–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Irish Art, Mid-Century Modernism, specifically his 'Head' series
Medium & Technique
Lithography with watercolor-like washes and gestural line work. The technique mimics fluid brushwork and delicate glazing.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 50 x 50 cm (including frame). Square format with a central portrait subject.
Subject Description
An abstract, ethereal head in profile, part of the artist's celebrated series exploring the human spirit and literary figures like James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. The composition uses negative space and soft purple/blue washes to suggest a face emerging from a void.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paper appears stable, though there is potential slight yellowing of the matting consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
USD $1,500 - $3,500
Auction Estimate
USD $1,200 - $2,500
Provenance History
The piece features a signature in the lower right and numbering in the lower left, indicating it is part of a limited edition. A label is visible on the rear frame in the background, likely a gallery or auction house sticker.
Art Historical Significance
Le Brocquy is Ireland's most celebrated 20th-century painter. His 'Head' series is his most critically acclaimed body of work, representing the 'interior' rather than the 'exterior' of the subject, bridging the gap between portraiture and abstraction.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in pencil; distinctive 'wavering' line work characteristic of le Brocquy; housed in a high-quality contemporary scalloped silver/gold leaf frame.
Condition Issues
Possible minor light-fading of the purple pigments if displayed in direct sunlight; minor dust ingress under the glass; age-related wear to the silver-gilt frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is mounted using acid-free materials. Keep away from direct UV light to prevent fading of the delicate washes. Professional cleaning of the glass is recommended.