Paul Henry's Old-Age Pensioners to beat $242,800 estimate?

Paul Henry's (1876-1958) Old-Age Pensioners is expected to provide the highlight of a collection of the Irish artist's early works at Bonhams' forthcoming 20th Century British and Irish Art sale.

The 1911 work is expected to achieve up to £150,000 ($242,771) when it auctions on November 14 in London.

Paul Henry Old Age Pensioners
Worth 150,000? Henry's Old-Age Pensioners

It will be joined at the sale by two Henry works thought to have been gifted by the people of Ireland to Clemens J France, a member of the US Committee of Enquiry on Conditions in Ireland, in thanks for his work on the Constitution of the Irish Free State in 1922.

A scene near Achill sound, thought to have been produced between 1916-1919, has a high estimate of £60,000 ($97,134), while Dugort bay, Achill island, from 1918-22, has a £50,000 ($80,943) high valuation.

A fourth work, The Long Road, which was exhibited in Belfast during 1918, also has a £50,000 ($80,943) high estimate.

Known for his post-impressionist style, Henry is famed for his depictions of the west of Ireland, and was regarded as the country's leading artist during the 1920s and 1930s.

Penny Day, Bonhams' head of Irish art, commented: "Bonhams were proud to achieve the highest price at auction for Paul Henry in 2011 (£175,250 for Running for Shelter).

"The exciting discovery in America of the two trademark landscapes coupled with the endearing Old-Age Pensioners and The Long Road, means this group presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a significant work by one of Ireland's finest artists."

We have high hopes for the works, considering recent auction performances.

Another Henry work made €260,000 ($338,290) at Bonhams' Important Irish Art Sale in 2006, despite an Antiques Roadshow valuation of £60,000 ($97,134), while in May his A View of Croagh Patrick from Achill Island beat its estimate by 66.6% at Bonhams to sell for £25,000 ($40,475).

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