Michael Collins by Sir John Lavery (1921)

On the 16th of November 1921, during the Treaty negotiations, Michael Collins went into the studio of the famous artist Sir John Lavery at 5 Cromwell Place in London to have his portrait drawn. Lavery later wrote about the occasion. ‘He walked into my studio a tall young Hercules with a pasty face, sparkling eyes and a fascinating smile, I helped him off with a heavy coat to which he clung”. Collins casually excused himself, letting Lavery know that he had a gun in his pocket. The artist also observed that “Collins sat uneasily, always facing the door ”.Later Michael Collins wrote to Kitty Kiernan about the sitting and commented “It was absolute torture as I was supposed to sit still and this as you know, is a thing I cannot do”. The next time  Lavery painted the portrait of Michael Collins, he was in his coffin having been shot in August 1922. This work is entitled “Love of Ireland.”
While some will argue, somewhat justifiably, that Leo Whelan's masterpiece, painted from life in Dublin just three months later is a greater likeness to Collins, this portrait is compelling for both the timing and location it was painted, and indeed the artist's friendship and connection to Collins. It is a fitting companion for Lavery's superb painting of Arthur Griffith which was also painted in London during the Treaty negotiations.
This limited edition reproduction is from a rare original Wilson Hartnell & Co. Publishers lithographic colour print which the Walton Collection has acquired and we are delighted to add it to our collection.
Beautifully mounted in a simple mahogany style frame (570mm x 670mm) with a gold sightline.