A striking and thought-provoking work by celebrated Scottish artist John Byrne, this original limited edition print dates to the mid-1990s, a particularly important period in Byrne’s graphic output. Titled Boy With A Lion, the composition brings together Byrne’s unmistakable figurative style with symbolic narrative — the youthful figure reclining beside a lion, bound together in a scene that feels both playful and quietly unsettling.
Issued in a small edition of just 30, this example is numbered 7/30 and hand coloured, adding depth and individuality to each impression. The print is signed “Patrick”, the pseudonym Byrne famously adopted during this period to allow his visual art to stand independently from his established reputation as a playwright. The result is a work that is both intellectually layered and visually compelling — unmistakably Byrne, yet deliberately anonymous in signature.
Presented in a well-proportioned frame, this piece would sit comfortably within a considered interior, appealing to collectors of modern British art, Scottish cultural history and limited edition works with strong provenance.
Details
- Era: 1994 (mid-1990s)
- Origin: Scotland, United Kingdom
- Artist: John Byrne (signed Patrick, pseudonym)
- Title: Boy With A Lion
- Edition: Limited edition, 7 of 30
- Materials: Printed line work with hand colouring on paper
- Dimensions: Framed size approx. 109 cm x 96.5 cm
- Condition Notes: Very good overall condition; colours remain strong. Minor age-related marks consistent with the period. Frame presents well.
- Provenance / Story: From a limited edition series produced during Byrne’s “Patrick” period, created to separate his visual art from his theatrical career.
- Care Tips: Display away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity. Professional framing with UV-protective glass recommended for long-term preservation.