Jellett, Mainie, 1897–1944

Born in Dublin in 1897, Mainie Jellett was a pioneer of abstract painting and is recognised as one of the most important figures in Irish art history. She studied at the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin under William Orpen, and later was tutored by Walter Sickert at the Westminster Technical Institute.

Initially, Jellett adopted Impressionism. However, following a move to Paris, she developed a distinctive and individual painting style. Her work evolved into a style both abstract and strongly inspired by Cubism. At first, her paintings received a frosty critical reception, but after her death at just 46, she ultimately gained recognition as a champion of modern art.