Paintings: G0811

Title

John Lawrence Toole dressed as a woman

Technique

Oil on panel

Subject

Toole, John Lawrence

Artist

Keeley, John

Dimensions

Height: 31cm
Width: 26cm

Inscription/signature

"299 / J. L. Toole / as ... / by Keeley" (pencil on verso)

Provenance

Unknown

Toole “en travestie” presents an unprepossessing aspect, with prominent teeth, big red nose, and black hair parted in the middle under a white bonnet decorated with blue ribbons and tied under the chin with a big blue bow. He wears a dark dress in brown and grey, a long white apron hiding his hands, and a large white shawl over the shoulders tucked into the apron.
The identification of the sitter is thought by Toole scholars to be secure.
Toole excelled in Cockney humour and "opéra bouffe".