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The history of art is filled with remarkable women whose achievements have only recently begun to receive the recognition they have long deserved. Working across periods of profound social and artistic change, these painters forged distinctive careers through talent, determination and unwavering commitment to their practice. Many challenged convention, others quietly mastered their chosen disciplines, but all left an enduring contribution to the visual arts.
As collectors increasingly seek works that tell richer and more nuanced stories, the significance of women artists within Irish and international art has never been more evident. Our forthcoming Online Picture Sale presents an opportunity to rediscover a selection of exceptional artists whose works continue to reward both seasoned collectors and those beginning their journey.
Mainie Jellett (1897-1944)
No discussion of twentieth century Irish art would be complete without Mainie Jellett, whose pioneering embrace of Modernism irrevocably altered the course of Irish painting. Having studied in Paris under André Lhote and later Albert Gleizes, Jellett absorbed the principles of Cubism at its source, returning to Ireland with a vision that was both intellectually ambitious and profoundly original.
Her early exhibitions were met with bewilderment by audiences unfamiliar with abstraction, yet history has firmly vindicated her conviction. Today, Jellett stands among the most influential figures in Irish art, her paintings celebrated for their sophisticated geometry, luminous colour and spiritual depth. They remain works of extraordinary elegance, balancing structure with emotion in compositions that continue to feel remarkably contemporary.
Gladys MacCabe (1919-2018)
Few artists have captured the character of the Irish landscape and its people with the warmth and immediacy of Gladys MacCabe. Whether depicting bustling market squares, quiet village streets or tranquil rural scenes, her paintings possess an unmistakable sense of place.
MacCabe painted with assurance and generosity, allowing expressive brushwork and subtle colour harmonies to evoke atmosphere rather than mere topography. There is an enduring optimism within her work, a celebration of everyday life rendered with sensitivity and quiet confidence. It is this timeless quality that has ensured her continuing appeal among collectors.
Marianne Agren McElroy (Swedish, 1926-2006)
Born in Sweden and making Ireland her home in the early 1950s, Marianne Ågren McElroy was one of the most original creative voices working in post-war Ireland. Refusing to be confined to a single discipline, she worked as a ceramicist, sculptor, graphic artist, designer and painter, continually pushing the boundaries of material and form.
Her practice was defined by experimentation and intellectual curiosity. Working with Irish clays, mixed media and expressive works on paper, she sought to create art that was distinctly modern while remaining deeply rooted in her adopted country. At a time when many women artists struggled for recognition, Ågren McElroy established an independent artistic identity, exhibiting widely and earning institutional acclaim.
Although her contribution was overlooked for many years, growing scholarly interest and renewed appreciation among collectors have begun to restore her rightful place within the story of modern Irish art. Her work stands as a testament to originality, technical accomplishment and a lifelong commitment to creative exploration.
Barbara Warren (1925-2017)
Barbara Warren’s paintings are distinguished by the remarkable sensitivity to atmosphere and composition. Whether painting gardens, floral arrangements or landscapes, she approaches each subject with a refined understanding of colour and balance.
Her work invites quiet contemplation. Delicate yet assured, Warren’s paintings reveal an artist whose technical accomplishment is matched by an instinctive appreciation of beauty in the everyday. They speak of careful observation, measured restraint and the enduring pleasures of fine painting.
Estella Frances Solomons HRHA (1882-1968)
Estella Frances Solomons occupies an exceptional position within Irish cultural history. A gifted painter, portraitist and etcher, she was also closely connected with Ireland’s revolutionary movement and a member of Cumann na mBan, her Dublin studio becoming a discreet gathering place for many of the leading figures of the period.
Yet it is her artistic achievement that commands lasting admiration. Solomons possessed an exceptional ability to capture character with remarkable economy and precision, particularly through her etchings and portraits. Her work combines technical mastery with psychological insight, reflecting an artist of uncommon intelligence and sensitivity.
As one of the earliest women to establish a distinguished professional career in Irish art, her legacy continues to grow in both scholarly and collecting circles.
Nancy Wynne-Jones HRHA (1922-2006)
The paintings of Nancy Wynne-Jones are instantly recognisable for their exuberant palette and joyful spirit. Drawing inspiration from both Ireland and the Mediterranean, where she spent many productive years, Wynne-Jones created works infused with warmth, vitality and luminous light.
Her confident handling of paint and fearless use of colour elevate familiar subjects into compositions of remarkable freshness. Whether depicting still life, interiors or landscapes, her paintings possess an infectious energy that reflects an artist painting with complete freedom and conviction.
Increasingly appreciated for the individuality of her vision, Wynne-Jones occupies an important place within twentieth century Irish painting.
The renewed appreciation of women artists represents one of the most significant developments in today’s art market. Museums continue to expand their collections, scholars are re-evaluating overlooked careers and collectors are recognising the exceptional quality and historical importance of these artists.
The works presented in our Online Picture Sale offer more than aesthetic appeal. They represent stories of innovation, perseverance and artistic excellence. Each painting is a testament to a career shaped by dedication to craft, often pursued in the face of considerable obstacles.
Collectively, these artists remind us that the history of art is far richer than once believed. Their works continue to enrich private collections and public institutions alike, standing not simply as rediscoveries, but as enduring masterpieces in their own right.
We are delighted to present this carefully curated selection and invite collectors to explore the remarkable achievements of these underappreciated masterminds, artists whose vision, accomplishment and legacy continue to inspire new generations.
Emmalie Conroy, July 2026
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"I should declare my hand. I have a weakness for pictures that punch above their physical weight, and for artists who have been quietly underrated for too long. This pair is both. They are intimate enough to live with at close quarters and serious enough to repay any amount of looking. If the market has lately shown signs of catching up with eighteenth-century Irish painting and I think it has, these two small panels feel, to me, like exactly the sort of thing that will look obvious in twenty years’ time."
Adam’s is honoured to present works from the collection of Lord Rossmore in the upcoming Country House Collections auction at Howth Castle on 28th April. It is seldom that an influential Irish family collection that has survived through the generations comes to the open market.
Works Sold at Adam’s Now in the Irish National Collection
A great opportunity to purchase both established and lesser-known artist’s work at an accessible price point, the Online Picture Auction is the first of many sales to be hosted at Adam’s in 2026. It is perfect for those looking to start a collection and the discerning collector alike.
Through this article, let our expert Adam Pearson guiding you to the (re)discovery of the once established Irish painter Richard O’Neill.
Buying at Auction and the Role of Antiques in a Modern Home
Important Irish Art Auction Highlights
Oliver Dowling Collection by Aidan Dunne
2024 is a year in which Adam’s wants to recognise the key role buying antique furniture and furnishings at auction contributes greatly to the sustainable initiative. In 2019 the Environmental Protection Agency reported stark figures that each year in Ireland 1.2 million reusable bulky items, primarily furniture goes into landfill. Similar to the problem of ‘fast fashion’, the constant production and consumption of new items is leading to rapidly growing waste problem. We want to acknowledge those who are already buying second hand or antique furniture at auction and to encourage new buyers by highlighting the benefits of acquiring affordable, well-made quality items that are built to last.
Irish author, recipe creator and lifestyle influencer, Indy Parsons, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
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Cork-born Irish actress, Sarah Greene, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Yvonne Aupicq had met Orpen, we understand, while working as a nurse during the war. He had been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of scabies which ended up being a far more serious case of blood poisoning as he recounts in his wartime memoir ‘An Onlooker in France’. Their relationship continued after 1918 when Orpen was appointed as the official artist to The Paris Peace Conference. They relocated to capital and over the following decade he painted her numerous times, often nude as in Amiens 1914, or The Rape and Nude Girl Reading (1921). Working with her as his model during these early years after the war allowed Orpen an opportunity to re-fuel his creativity.
Editor-in-Chief of IMAGE Publications, Lizzie Gore-Grimes, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction on September 13th features a prime example of Van Cleef & Arpel's renowned 'Mystery Setting'
Our June auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the great masterpieces of Irish art and icons of Dublin’s history.
James Adam & Sons Ltd, Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, 26 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2,
D02 X665, Ireland
