A Straffan connoisseur

Christie's recently showed a selection of the Irish pictures being offered for sale in London next month and while the main focus…

Christie's recently showed a selection of the Irish pictures being offered for sale in London next month and while the main focus of attention was on 20th century work, a number of earlier paintings were equally worthy of attention. Among the latter group was this portrait by Francis Hayman of Joseph Henry whose principal seat was Lodge Park, Straffan, Co Kildare. The picture has just been reproduced in the newly-published Lord Charlemont and His Circle where it illustrates an essay by J McDonnell on Joseph Henry of Straffan: a connoisseur of Italian Renaissance painting. Henry was indeed a great connoisseur, having spent several years on a European grand tour with his uncle and cousin, the first and second Earls of Milltown, of Russborough, Co Kildare; while in Rome, he also spent much time with the Earl of Charlemont. Along with these men, Henry was portrayed by Sir Joshua Reynolds in his Parody on Raphael's School of Athens now in the National Gallery of Ireland. This portrait was painted circa 1745, some five years before Henry's departure on tour. However, it already indicates his considerable erudition thanks to the presence of a well-stocked bookcase in the background. The work is estimated to fetch £25,000-£35,000 sterling when it comes up for sale on May 17th.