Irish Market Scene

This exceptional market scene is cluttered with people and merchandise against a background of simple buildings. It is, perhaps, his most ambitious canvas. A sullen woman dressed in a bright orange cloak and contrasting green blouse dominates the composition. Very different in mood is the young girl to her right, whose sunny disposition is mirrored in the flowers nearby. Around them are other people talking or transacting business.

During his Irish sojourn, Thomason remained on the west coast, the poorest part of the country. George Luks wrote him several letters; one inquired about the fishing, in another he offered the following advice: “Keep on working in a simple manner and the goal is yours.”