Mathew James Lawless was considered by his peers to have the prospect of a brilliant career only to fall into ill health and die at the age of 27 in 1864. Consequently there have been very few of his paintings on the market or indeed on display in galleries but those that do appear testify to Lawless's brilliant talent.

He was described by Strickland as a 'subject painter' and 'book illustrator'. Having studied in London under Henry O'Neill he began contributing drawings to 'Once a Week' and other periodicals and books. His first contribution to the Royal Academy was in 1858 and he continued to exhibit until 1863.