Joseph Henry Lynch (1911-1989) after David Jagger (1891-1958)

Jewish Refugee, Vienna
signed and dated 'J.LYNCH 41' (lower right)
oil on canvas
44.5 x 29.5cm

Born in 1911, Joseph Henry Lynch is best known for his iconic mass-produced prints of the 1960s and 70s. Defined by glamourous women in mysterious settings, Lynch's works became a staple of the mid-century home, being sold through major outlets including Boots and Woolworths. This was particularly true of his work 'Tina' (1964), which sold in the thousands and became an era-defining cult image. It is believed that, shortly before his death in 1989, Lynch destroyed many of his original works, meaning very few survive today.

The present work is an early example by the artist. After the original by David Jagger (1891-1958), this portrait depicts a young Jewish woman, displaced by the rise of Nazism in the 1930s. Unlike the romanticism and exoticism of Lynch's typical subjects, this woman is weary and solemn. Captured in muted tones, she demonstrates both profound suffering and immense resilience.