Top 5 Best Selling Irish Artists

As St Patrick’s day is celebrated on March 17, we thought we have a look at some of the best selling Irish artists. As prices on the international scene continue to rise, the situation in Ireland is a little different as the end of the Celtic Tiger brought a decline in sales. Here, trends in buying-and-selling art have followed the trajectory of the property market boom and bust somewhat – but the property bust hasn’t led to a complete implosion of the market.

The world's most successful post-war contemporary artist, known for his disturbing expressionist, almost surrealistic, works, as well as his chaotic lifestyle. Following his death, the contents of his art studio located at 7 Reece Mews, South Kensington, were donated to the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin.

Most highly priced work: Triptych, oil and pastel on canvas,1976, sold $86.3 million, Sotheby’s New York, May 2008.

2 William Orpen RA RI HRHA (1878-1931):

Ireland's most eminent academic portrait painter and representational artist; the leading example of the Anglo-Irish tradition. Has influenced generations of portraitists in Ireland.

Most highly priced work: Portrait of Gardenia St. George With Riding Crop, oil on canvas, sold £1,983,500 (Sothebys London, June 2001)

3 Jack Butler Yeats RHA 1871-1957:

The greatest and most influential painter of Irish Life and character, noted for his expressionist-style canvases and genre paintings

Most highly priced work: The Whistle of a Jacket, oil on canvas, 1946, sold £1,400,000, Christie’s London May 2001,

4 John Lavery RA RSA RHA (1856-1941):

The leading Irish Impressionist, noted for his plein-air painting, especially his Continental works.

Most highly priced work: The Bridge at Grez, oil on canvas, 1883, sold £1,321,500, Christie's London, December 1998.

5 Louis le Brocquy HRHA (1916-2012):

Ireland's greatest living visual artist, noted for his prolific creativity in numerous art forms including painting and tapestries.

Most highly priced work: Travelling Woman with Newspaper, oil on board, 1947-48, sold £1,158,500 (Sotheby's London, May 18 2000)