Jack Butler Yeats (Irish, 1871–1957) was one of the most important Irish painters of the 20th century. The artist was born into a creative family, the son of portraitist John Butler Yeats, and brother of well-known poet W. B. Yeats. He was privately educated in Sligo, Ireland, and then studied at various art schools in London. After finishing his studies, he worked as an illustrator for magazines and books, and drew comic strips.

Initially working in watercolor, Yeats gradually shifted to oil, becoming well known for his romantic yet realistic portrayals of urban and rural life in Ireland during the years of the independence struggle.

In the 1920s, his work underwent a radical shift in style, becoming markedly expressionistic and featuring a colorful palette and loose, thickly applied brushstrokes. During this time, he painted scenes from circuses, music halls, and horse races, as well as Irish mythological themes and landscapes. He later experimented with different ways of applying paint, and showed a deep interest in the power of color throughout his works.

In addition to his success as a visual artist, Yeats was also a writer, and his literary works included plays, novels, and poetry. In 1924, he became Ireland’s first medalist in the Olympic Games, winning for his painting The Liffey Swim, which received a silver medal in the now-defunct arts and culture segment.

Today, his works can be found in collections throughout the UK, including the National Galley in Dublin, the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin, and the Ulster Museum in Belfast.