Morgan O'Driscoll Irish & International Art Auction 21st October 2019

86 58 John Behan RHA (b.1938) Famine Ship (2005) signed and dated 2005 unique bronze 72 x 66 x 40cm (28.3 x 26 x 15.7in) Provenance: Private Collection €10,000-15,000 (£8,849-13,274) John Behan has explored many themes of ancient mythology, literature and legend. Each theme is moved to a depth of exploration, the imbued meaning in the works derive from his own in-depth knowledge of his subject, which is translated into the shape and form of his bronze work. John Behan is renowned for his many themed works, his great Bulls, Birds or Famine Ships, ‘Paiste’ and ‘Family’ are other universal themes explored by Behan. In their simplicity of depiction they are created with an energy; great metaphors of life’s journey. John Behan first created The Famine Ship to stand at the base of Croagh Patrick, County Mayo. Fierce in impact, the hull of the boat is birthed at land, the mast laden with the skeleton bodies of lost emigrants. In large or smaller scale The Famine Ship series carries an indescribable depth of history, poignant loss and struggle for life. Commissioned by the Irish government to commemorate the contribution of Irish emigrants worldwide, a 26-by-24-foot bronze themed piece on The Famine Ship entitled “Arrival” now stands in the plaza in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York.