Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Abstract

Name Class Date

Mainie Jellett, Abstract (1922). Public domain.

The facts

Artist
Mainie Jellett originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/mainie-jellett/
Artist’s dates
1897 – 1944
Painted
1922
Original size
92 x 72 cm

In context

Abstract — Mainie Jellett

How big is it?

The original measures 92 × 72 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1890
  2. 1900
  3. 1910
  4. 1920
  5. 1930
  6. 1940

Shaded: the lifetime of Mainie Jellett (1897–1944) ▲ this work, 1922

Compare with

  • Painting, 1938 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/mainie-jellett-painting-AQZR4V-en/
  • Composition, 1935 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/mainie-jellett-composition-AQZR4R-en/
  • The Nativity, 1940 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/mainie-jellett-the-nativity-AQRPCD-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/mainie-jellett-abstract-AQZR4P-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Rosy Brown #b7a383

    Catalogued palette

    • #B7A383
    • #445E62
    • #1B2324
    • #494030
    Main colour name
    Rosy Brown
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Bold How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Softly Mixed Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Mainie Jellett

    Born in Dublin, Ireland

    Early Life and Education

    Born: Dublin, Ireland (April 29, 1897)

    Died: February 16, 1944

    Parents: William Morgan Jellett (barrister and MP), Janet McKenzie Stokes.

    Early artistic training with Elizabeth Yeats, Sarah Cecilia Harrison, and Mary Manning.

    Studied at the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin (teachers included William Orpen).

    Attended Westminster Technical Institute in London under Walter Sickert.

    Won the Taylor Art Scholarship in 1920.

    Parisian Influences and Artistic Development

    Moved to Paris with Evie Hone in 1921.

    Studied cubism under André Lhote and Albert Gleizes.

    Exploration of non-representational art, influenced by Cézanne's analytical approach.

    Developed a distinctive style incorporating rhythm, colour, and abstract forms.

    Her artistic philosophy involved three revolutions inspired by Sickert, Lhote, and Gleizes.

    Key Works and Artistic Style

    Decoration (1923): One of the first abstract paintings exhibited in Ireland, caused considerable controversy.

    Artwork often features religious titles and icon-like qualities despite being non-representational.

    Style characterized by arcs of colour, rhythmic lines, and a sense of abstract perspective.

    Exploration of light and color to create depth and intensity.

    Recognition and Historical Significance

    Early proponent of abstract art in Ireland.

    Championed the modernist movement despite facing criticism.

    Co-founded the Irish Exhibition of Living Art in 1943 with Evie Hone, Louis le Brocquy, Jack Hanlon, and Norah McGuinness.

    Her work is present in museums throughout Ireland.

    Jellett believed artists were essential for societal spiritual health.

    Significant figure in Irish art history, bridging traditional and modern artistic approaches.

    Legacy

    Mainie Jellett's pioneering spirit helped pave the way for abstract art to be accepted in Ireland.

    Her dedication to promoting modernism influenced generations of Irish artists.

    She remains a significant figure in the history of Irish art, recognized for her innovative style and unwavering commitment to artistic expression.

    Where to read more

    • The artist Mainie Jellett originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/mainie-jellett/
    • Similar works More works to compare originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/mainie-jellett-abstract-AQZR4P-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Abstract

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/mainie-jellett-abstract-AQZR4P-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Jellett, Mainie. Abstract. 1922, https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/mainie-jellett-abstract-AQZR4P-en/
    APA
    Jellett, Mainie (1922). Abstract [Painting]. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/mainie-jellett-abstract-AQZR4P-en/
    Chicago
    Mainie Jellett. Abstract. 1922. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/mainie-jellett-abstract-AQZR4P-en/
    Harvard
    Jellett, Mainie (1922) Abstract. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/mainie-jellett-abstract-AQZR4P-en/

    Look closely

    Abstract — Mainie Jellett

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Painting (1938), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. Mainie Jellett was about 25 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.