Norah McGuinness HRHA (1901-1980) Storm in Limerick Oil on...

Estimate

€20,000 - €30,000

Norah McGuinness HRHA (1901-1980) Storm in Limerick Oil on board, 44.5 x 59.5cm (17½ x 23½'') Signed Provenance: Sale, these rooms, 5 December, 2006, lot 95. Exhibited: London, The Leicester Galleries 1951 This highly atmospheric image creates a clear sense of foreboding as the oncoming storm approaches, with the scene set in the precarious moments before the full force of the weather front is felt. McGuinness is well known for her vivid and expressively coloured landscapes, and she painted several examples of Limerick city and the ports and harbours of other main cities. The composition here looks be depicting the bridge and buildings along the canal and harbour in the city. The single arched stone bridges can be seen at several intervals along the waterways in Limerick. The industry and commercial use of the canals are evident in the barge visible just to the right of the composition, the two warehouse buildings on left, and a wooden dock for unloading, that now looks precariously placed amongst the rushing waters. However, this trade and transport link was coming close to the end when McGuinness painted this scene, Limerick’s commercial canal network was shut down entirely in early 1960. As the water level rises, a lone figure can be seen peering over the edge of the stone wall watching the crash and flow of the river below. The sky darkens ominously in the background, creating a dramatic backdrop for the scene. The trees sway forcibly in the wind and her use of use of soft brushstrokes creates a blurring effect, giving a sense of the surface of the painting in motion. The confident use of bright colour tones, reds, yellows and greens become even more dramatic against the grey sky. The darkened, rain laden clouds are mirrored in the surface of the water, rushing over the river bed. The gates of the lock are visible just beyond the arch of the bridge, and we can imagine the torrent of water falling on the other side.