Yeats, Jack Butler (1871-1957), an Irish painter, became well known for his romantic portrayal of scenes from everyday Irish life, such as horse races and fairs. He also painted subjects from Celtic legend. His work contributed to an increase in nationalistic feeling in the Irish arts that was part of the Irish independence movement in the early 1900’s. One of Yeats’s best-known paintings was Back from the Races (1925). His early style showed the influence of the French Impressionists. During the 1920’s, his paintings reflected a more Expressionistic style, featuring vivid colors and loose brushwork.
Yeats was born on Aug. 29, 1871, in London. He spent much of his childhood in County Sligo, Ireland. He wrote a number of books about life in western Ireland, including Life in the West of Ireland (1912) and Sligo (1930). He also wrote several plays, novels, and volumes of poetry. He was the younger brother of the poet William Butler Yeats. He died on March 28, 1957.
