10
James Humbert Craig RHA RUA (1877-1944)
Estimate:
€20,000 - €30,000
Sold
€54,000
Live Auction
Irish & International Art
Size
40 by 60in. (101.6 by 152.4cm)
Description
Title: FLAX GROWING, NORTHERN IRELAND, 1927
Note: James Humbert Craig was well established as a painter of landscapes by the 1920s when he was commisioned by both commercial and government bodies to produce images for posters. His most famous poster was 'Flax Pulling in Co. Antrim'. Commissioned by the Empire Marketing Board and the Ulster Ministry of Commerce, it was painted in 1927.A feature of these poster paintings was that the range of colours had to be limited and the layout simplified, as printing technology in those days was not nearly as sophisticated as it is today. The style particularly suited Paul Henry who painted in that manner anyway. Craig adapted well and we can see many similarities with Henry's paintings in this work.'The Flax Pullers' on being presented to the local press, attracted favourable reviews, one of which was reported as follows:"The Ministry of Commerce recently arranged with the Empire Marketing Board for an Ulster poster for exhibition throughout Great Britain and the Empire. As it was desirable to produce a poster which would possibly overlap or duplicate the claims of some other section of the Empire, it was decided to convey some impression of rural life which would at the same time definitely include one of Ulster's industries. With this in view. Mr. J. Humbert Craig, A.R.H.A., who received the commission for the painting, set to work, and the result of his labours was submitted to the Ministry yesterday. While no particular part of Ulster is depicted, the poster is representative of various aspects of Northern scenery. The 'motif' is suggested by an area of flax, on which flax pullers are at work. In the background a mountain ridge is seen through the haze of the sun's rays, and in the middle distance cottages are grouped around a farmhouse. In the painting of scenes of this kind Mr. Craig has always excelled, and in its breadth and atmosphere this poster design is eminently characteristic of the general trend of his work. It is, however, for its harmonious colour scheme that the picture will probably be most admired. Starting with the peculiar tint of the growing flax, Mr. Craig has built up an effective gradation of that colour, which reaches its climax in the rich glow of emerald pigment. In both conception and execution the picture is exceedingly creditable, and it does enhance Mr. Craig's reputation as a poster designer."
Note: James Humbert Craig was well established as a painter of landscapes by the 1920s when he was commisioned by both commercial and government bodies to produce images for posters. His most famous poster was 'Flax Pulling in Co. Antrim'. Commissioned by the Empire Marketing Board and the Ulster Ministry of Commerce, it was painted in 1927.A feature of these poster paintings was that the range of colours had to be limited and the layout simplified, as printing technology in those days was not nearly as sophisticated as it is today. The style particularly suited Paul Henry who painted in that manner anyway. Craig adapted well and we can see many similarities with Henry's paintings in this work.'The Flax Pullers' on being presented to the local press, attracted favourable reviews, one of which was reported as follows:"The Ministry of Commerce recently arranged with the Empire Marketing Board for an Ulster poster for exhibition throughout Great Britain and the Empire. As it was desirable to produce a poster which would possibly overlap or duplicate the claims of some other section of the Empire, it was decided to convey some impression of rural life which would at the same time definitely include one of Ulster's industries. With this in view. Mr. J. Humbert Craig, A.R.H.A., who received the commission for the painting, set to work, and the result of his labours was submitted to the Ministry yesterday. While no particular part of Ulster is depicted, the poster is representative of various aspects of Northern scenery. The 'motif' is suggested by an area of flax, on which flax pullers are at work. In the background a mountain ridge is seen through the haze of the sun's rays, and in the middle distance cottages are grouped around a farmhouse. In the painting of scenes of this kind Mr. Craig has always excelled, and in its breadth and atmosphere this poster design is eminently characteristic of the general trend of his work. It is, however, for its harmonious colour scheme that the picture will probably be most admired. Starting with the peculiar tint of the growing flax, Mr. Craig has built up an effective gradation of that colour, which reaches its climax in the rich glow of emerald pigment. In both conception and execution the picture is exceedingly creditable, and it does enhance Mr. Craig's reputation as a poster designer."
Medium
oil on canvas
Signature
signed lower right; titled on label on reverse
