Pulsating portraits by Clarke and Orpen

Highlights in the Fine Art Society sale in London next week include two contrasting portraits by Irish artists, and two rare tables, each by a master of his era.

Exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy in 1916, William Orpen’s portrait of Dorothy Stiles was commissioned by her parents to celebrate her 21st birthday. Measuring 61×51cm, it is expected to fetch £40,000–£60,000.

Dolly, as she was known, is unlikely to have moved ...