FERGUS O'RYAN RHA (1911 - 1989)

Title: Vale of Clara, County Wicklow Medium: Oil on Canvas Signature: Signed Lower Left and Inscribed Verso Provenance: The Artist's Studio; Combridge Fine Arts, Dublin (Label Verso); Private Collection Framed Lot Description: Fergus O’Ryan RHA (1911–1989), Vale of Clara, County Wicklow, oil on canvas, signed lower right. A richly textured and light-filled landscape depicting a winding river flowing through a dense woodland, with bare trees framing the scene and hills rising in the distance. Executed in O’Ryan’s characteristic impasto technique and vibrant natural palette, the work captures the quiet energy and movement of an Irish riverscape in early spring or late autumn. Framed in a linen-lined frame with gilt slip. Image: 39 x 49 cm.; Framed: 50.5 x 60.5 cm. PICTURES AND PRINTS Tuesday 16th September 2025 18:47:30 Biography FERGUS O'RYAN RHA (1911 - 1989) Born in Limerick in 1911, Fergus O’Ryan pursued his artistic training first at the Limerick School of Art under Richard Butcher and later at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art. His work is particularly associated with depictions of the Irish countryside as well as urban and industrial landscapes. Alongside his painting career, O’Ryan worked professionally as a designer and commercial artist with McEvoy’s Advertising Services in Dublin. He also contributed to stage and cinema through set and poster design. As an educator, he taught at the National College of Art, and his creative output included illustrations for Patricia Lynch’s Tales of Irish Enchantment and the design of a postage stamp celebrating An Tóstal, Ireland’s cultural festival. O’Ryan regularly exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy—becoming a member in 1960—as well as at the Victor Waddington Galleries and the Watercolour Society of Ireland. His achievements were recognised with the Douglas Hyde Gold Medal at the 1956 Oireachtas Exhibition. In tribute to his legacy, the Fergus O’Ryan RHA Memorial Award was established in 1993.