Last updated: 27 October 2026
Quentin James McCaffrey is the New York painter of small, still, imagined interiors, shown in London by Alison Jacques. Here you will find our take on his work, his recent shows, and how to buy it.
Our take on Quentin James McCaffrey
McCaffrey paints small oils on canvas over wood panel, from imagination. “When working too closely from a reference, it starts dictating the painting. I’m more interested in allowing the painting to arrive on its own,” he says in Alison Jacques’s exhibition text.
He looks back to Giotto, Masaccio and Piero della Francesca, and to Dutch interiors by Vermeer and ter Borch. “I view technique as an obstacle,” he says. “The challenge is to keep technique in service of the painting, rather than allowing it to become a performance of skill.”
His first UK solo show, at Alison Jacques in autumn 2026, had 15 paintings, most no bigger than 40.6 x 33 cm (16 x 13 in). Works are sold by enquiry.
Quentin James McCaffrey: the essentials
- Born in New York in 1987, where he lives and works, according to Alison Jacques.
- BA, Taylor University, Indiana, 2009; MFA, New York Academy of Art, 2011.
- Two-time recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant (2020 and 2022).
- Represented by Alison Jacques in London and Nicelle Beauchene Gallery in New York.
Quentin James McCaffrey exhibitions
- Nod, his first UK solo show, Alison Jacques, 22 Cork Street, London, 3 September to 3 October 2026.
- The Gifts, solo show, Nicelle Beauchene Gallery, New York, 20 February to 28 March 2026.
- Last Night I Dreamed of Manderley (group), Alison Jacques, London, 2025.
- All The Splendor Has Departed, a two-artist show with Ugo Rondinone, Nicelle Beauchene Gallery, New York, 2022.
Our reviews featuring Quentin James McCaffrey
- Quentin James McCaffrey at Alison Jacques review: our take on his first UK solo show.
Quentin James McCaffrey FAQs
Does Quentin James McCaffrey paint from photographs?
No. He works from imagination, not from studies or photographs.
Where can I buy a Quentin James McCaffrey painting?
Through Alison Jacques in London, or Nicelle Beauchene Gallery in New York, by enquiry.
How big are Quentin James McCaffrey’s paintings?
Small. The works in his London show ran from 25.4 x 20.3 cm (10 x 8 in) to 40.6 x 33 cm (16 x 13 in).
When was his first UK solo show?
At Alison Jacques, London, from 3 September to 3 October 2026.
More from CoolCuration
- Veronica Ryan at Whitechapel Gallery review: another London show of sculpture and objects.
- Rose Wylie at the Royal Academy review: another British painter with a sense of humour.
- Khalif Tahir Thompson at Victoria Miro review: another young London painter to watch.
- National Art Pass: discounts on big shows across the UK.
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Main image: Quentin James McCaffrey, Mirror with Drapery, 2026. © Quentin James McCaffrey, courtesy Alison Jacques. Framed by CoolCuration. Exhibition dates and prices last checked: 27 October 2026.
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