Penny, Brown Penny

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PENNY, BROWN PENNY, oil, 131 X 65 cms

© Fergus A Ryan, 2020

The imaginary scene is based on a poem by W B Yeats. The young man is tossing a coin to ask it if he is old enough for love. Yeats was involved in the introduction of the beautiful coinage of the new Irish Free State in 1922, a series which remained in use until the adoption of the new European currency.


I whispered, 'I am too young,'

And then, 'I am old enough';

Wherefore I threw a penny

To find out if I might love.

'Go and love, go and love, young man,

If the lady be young and fair.'

Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,

I am looped in the loops of her hair.


W B Yeats


Available for purchase from Fergus Ryan (see Originals)