Lot 155: George Mounsey Atkinson (c.1830-1908) MIRIAM signed with initials lower right; inscribed on reverse oil on canvas 41 by 30cm., 16 by 12in.

George Mounsey Atkinson (c.1830-1908) MIRIAM signed with initials lower right; inscribed on reverse oil on canvas 41 by 30cm., 16 by 12in. E2,000-2,500 (IR E1,600-2,000 approx.) The eldest son and namesake of George Mounsey Wheatley Atkinson (c.1806-1884), George Mounsey Atkinson was, according to Peter Murray of the Crawford Gallery in Cork, "the most outstanding artist"1 of Wheatley Atkinson's four children, who all pursued artistic careers. Mounsey Atkinson's ardent interest in archeology and antiquity can be witnessed here in this work, revealed in the fine detail of the Egyptian dress and the instruments played by the various characters, including the central figure whom is presumably based upon the model 'Miriam', whose name appears inscribed in the artist's hand on the reverse of the work. 1 Catalogue note to Lot 71, Whyte's Irish Art Sale, 12 June 2001.