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Q. What were the
10 stages in the history of Irish Art?
For a review of the 10 basic steps in the evolution and development of
visual art in Ireland, see: History of Irish Art.
Q. What visual art
was produced in Ireland during the Stone Age?
Most "art" produced in Ireland during the hunter-gatherer culture
of the late Stone Age (5,500 to 3,500 BCE) was limited to primitive pottery
and the first appearance of a variety of megaliths.
For more, see: Irish
Art in the Stone Age.
Q. Why is Newgrange
considered to be so important in Irish art?
Apart from evidencing the emergence of a more sophisticated social culture,
the Neolithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange (Dún Fhearghusa) contains
the earliest known stone engravings in Ireland - a perfect illustration
of megalithic art. For more
details and photographs, see: Newgrange
Megalithic Tomb.
Q. What visual
art was produced in Ireland during the Bronze Age?
The best examples of art produced during the Irish Bronze Age (c.3500-1100
BCE) were ornamental objects made from gold and other precious metals,
some of which are on display in the National Museum of Ireland. For more
about this outstanding Celtic metalwork, see: Irish
Art in the Bronze Age.
Q. What visual art
was produced in Ireland during the Iron Age?
Inspired by Mediterranean Greek and Etruscan civilizations, Irish art
during the Iron Age (c.1100-200 BCE) was exemplified by Celtic La Tène
style metalwork and monumental sculpture. For more, see: Iron
Age Art in Ireland and the Turoe
Stone.
Q. What were the
origins of Celtic Culture?
The first Celts migrated from southern Russia to eastern and central Europe
about 1,000 BCE. They settled along the Upper Danube in an area centred
on Austria. For more about the history and development of this fascinating
civilization, see: Celtic
Culture.
Q. What were
the earliest types of Celtic art?
The first types of Celtic visual art were the metalwork masterpieces belonging
to the Hallstatt and La Tene styles of the middle and late Iron Age. For
a general history, see: Celtic
art. For the characteristics of the earliest Celt designs, see: Hallstatt
and La
Tene cultures.
Q. What is the
Broighter Gold Torc?
This is a famous gold collar made by Iron Age Irish craftsmen. It was
part of the Broighter Hoard unearthed in Co Derry in 1896. For details
and photo, see: Broighter
Gold Collar.
Q. What is the
Petrie Crown?
This Iron Age artifact, discovered by the eminent antiquarian George Petrie
sometime in the 19th century, is a La Tene style pagan head-dress. For
details and photograph, please see: Petrie
Crown.
Q. What is the
Ardagh Chalice?
This beautiful silver bowl was discovered in County Limerick in 1868.
Dating to the 8th or 9th century CE, it is one of the great masterpieces
of early Christian art in Ireland. For details and image, see: Ardagh
Chalice.
Q. What is
the Derrynaflan Hoard?
This was a collection of early religious artifacts found in County Tipperary,
in 1980. It includes an ornate silver chalice, considered to be one of
the great treasures of the Hiberno-Saxon Insular style. For more information,
see: Derrynaflan Chalice.
Q. What is the
Moylough Belt Shrine?
This is an 8th century reliquary found in a County Sligo peat bog in 1945.
It is the only surviving artifact of its type. For details and photo,
see: Moylough Belt Shrine.
Q. What is
the Tully Lough Cross?
This is one of the few bronze-encased Christian crosses ever found in
Ireland. It was retrieved from the bottom of a lake in County Roscommon
in 1986. For more information and photo, see: Tully
Lough Cross.
Q. What is the Tara
Brooch?
This is one of the finest examples of a Celtic ring brooch ever recorded.
Found in County Meath, in 1850, it is one of the artifacts that helped
to stimulate the Celtic Art Revival. For more details, see: Tara
Brooch.
Q. What is the Cross
of Cong?
This is the finest processional cross in the collection of the National
Museum of Ireland. Made for Turlough O'Connor, High King of Ireland, reputedly
it contained a relic from the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified.
For details, see: Cross of Cong.
Q. What are
the best examples of precious metalwork from the Irish Iron Age?
The best-known precious objects made during the pagan Iron Age are the
Petrie Crown, and the Broighter Gold Collar and Boat.
Q. What factors
influenced the development of Irish art during the first Millennium?
Irish art during this period was influenced by two things: first, the
fact that (unlike the rest of Europe) Ireland remained free of Roman occupation.
This meant that Irish culture was never subsumed by Roman or Greek civilization
and thus developed separately. Second, the introduction of Christianity
and its monastic culture led to a Golden Age of visual art (c.600-900),
during which Irish monks kept alive the flame of civilization while Continental
Europe was ravaged by Barbarians. For more details about Christianity's
impact on art in Ireland, see: Irish
Monastic Art.
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Q. What religious
art was produced in Ireland during the period 600-900 CE?
Among many other artworks, early monasteries were responsible for a range
of stunning Irish Illuminated
Manuscripts, including such masterpieces as the Book of Durrow (c.650)
and the Book of Kells (c.800). In addition, the tradition of Irish metallurgy
was continued in the form of precious objects like the Tara Brooch, the
Ardagh Chalice and the Derrynaflan Chalice and Paten. For more about holy
artworks around the world, see: Religious
art.
Q. What are
the most famous Irish Illuminated Gospel Books?
The most famous illuminated manuscripts produced in Ireland, or by Irish
scribes and illustrators, include the Cathach of St. Columba (early 7th
century), the Book of Durrow (c.670), the Lindisfarne Gospels (c.698-700),
the Echternach Gospels (c.700), the Lichfield Gospels (c.730) and the
Book of Kells (c.800).
Q. How
Were Illuminated Gospel Manuscripts Made?
For an explanation about how medieval Irish monks created illustrated
Biblical texts, like the Book of Kells, see: Making
of Illuminated Manuscripts.
Q. What is the Lebor
Gabala Erenn (Book Of Invasions)?
The Lebor Gabala Erenn is a compilation of stories about the origins of
Ireland and its people. It is one of the most famous examples of storytelling
in Gaelic culture. For more details, see: Lebor
Gabala Erenn (the Book Of Invasions).
Q. What sculpture
was produced in Ireland during the Middle Ages?
The best known example of Christian sculpture in Ireland was the series
of High Cross Sculptures, created roughly 750-1150 CE. For more information
and lots of photographs, see: Celtic
High Cross Sculpture.
Q. How did fine
art painting develop in Ireland?
Due to many factors, painting (and sculpture) has played a secondary role
to literature and music in Ireland. Arguably, it only really began in
the late-17th early-18th century with the likes of the portraitist Charles
Jervas and the watercolourist Susanna
Drury. For more details, see: Irish Painting.
Q. Who were
the most famous artists in Ireland during the 18th century?
The most successful Irish painters of the 18th century were portrait and
topographical landscape painters. For details and artist-biographies,
see: 18th Century Irish
Artists.
Q. Who were
the best artists in Ireland during the 19th century?
The history of Irish painting during the 19th century combined a mixture
of emigration and indigenous activity. But by the end of the century,
partly in response to the Nationalist movement as well as the Celtic
Art Revival Movement, a Dublin school was emerging which would dominate
the first decades of the 20th century. For more information, plus biographies,
see: 19th Century Irish
Artists.
Q. How did
Irish Painting develop during the 20th Century?
The early decades were influenced (dominated) by the struggle for and
achievement of independence. In terms of style, the main school was traditionalist,
classical realist, opposed by a minority of more internationally minded
painters. To see what happened, please visit: the top 20th
Century Irish Artists, and the Irish
Painting Styles of the 20th Century.
Q. How did portrait
painting develop in Ireland?
Irish portraiture was especially influenced by the availability of patrons.
The wealth of Anglo-Irish aristocratic families based in Dublin only supported
a certain number of artists; the remainder were forced to emigrate to
London, where they met with various degrees of success. For a brief survey
of the history of portraiture in Ireland, see: Irish
Portrait Artists.
Q. How did landscape
painting develop in Ireland?
Blessed with a marvellous variety of coastal, water and inland scenery,
Ireland has always attracted a large number of talented landscape artists.
Its own indigenous tradition of landscape painting began with topographical
works before fragmenting in the 19th century, into an Irish school and
a Continental school. For a brief survey of the history of scenic art
in Ireland, see: Irish Landscape
Artists.
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Q. What is the
history of plein air painting in Ireland?
Although several important Irish artists painted en plein air during the
18th century, the tradition really took off following artistic developments
in France at Barbizon, and the invention of metal tubes of oil paint in
the 1840s. After this, many Irish painters spent long periods in France,
working en plein air in artist colonies - a tradition which continued
well into the 20th century. For a brief survey of this type of landscape
art, see: Plein-Air Painting
in Ireland.
Q. How did
genre painting develop in Ireland?
Lack of patronage for paintings of "everyday scenes" meant that
this artform didn't really become popular until the late 19th century.
It comprised at least five different varieties, which are reviewed in
our article: Irish Genre Painters.
Q. Who are
the "Oil Painters of Ireland"?
The "Oil Painters of Ireland" is a new non-profit art club (launched
in 2008) whose members include five of the country's leading representational
artists. For a description of its aims and list of members, see: Oil
Painters of Ireland.
Q. What
is the history of representational painting in Ireland?
Abstract painting originated in Paris during the 1900s, through movements
like Cubism. It spread across Europe to Russia (Suprematism), Holland
(De Stijl and Neo-Plasticism) and elsewhere. Despite this, conservative
Ireland remained a bastion of representational (ie. true to life) painting,
which not even Hugh Lane and a new gallery of modern art could change.
Not until the formation of avant-garde movements like the Irish
Exhibition of Living Art, were abstract paintings shown in any numbers.
But, since the early 1970s, non-representational art has grown significantly
in influence, and is now (arguably) the dominant painting style in Ireland.
For more, see: Representational
Painting in Ireland.
Q. Who pioneered
abstract art in Ireland?
Among the more internationally-minded Irish painters who were influenced
by modern artists like Picasso, Braque and other Cubists, and who first
showed abstract works in Dublin during the 1920s, were Mary
Swanzy HRHA (1882-1978), Mainie
Jellett (1897-1944), and Evie
Hone HRHA (1894–1955). For more, see: Abstract
Artists: Ireland.
Q. How did modern
sculpture develop in Ireland?
For many reasons, Ireland was not a fertile environment for sculpture
before the 20th century. As a result, many talented Irish sculptors emigrated
to London or Rome. The birth of an independent state changed this situation
for the better, through increased commissions for the commemoration of
political and religious leaders/events. Even so, sculpture has remained
the "deprived child" of Irish visual arts. For more details,
see Irish Sculpture: History & Artists.
Q. Who are
the best contemporary ceramicists in Ireland?
Pottery art is classified as a craft, and championed by the Crafts
Council of Ireland, a body which carries considerably less clout than
the state-regulated Arts Council which promotes painting and sculpture.
Even so, Ireland has a number of talented ceramic artists. For more information,
see: David Seeger
(abstract clay forms); Jane
Jermyn (abstract organic forms); Ayelet
Lalor (figurative ceramic sculptures in porcelain, earthenware, bronze);
Sara Roberts
(porcelain wall hangings).
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Q. What was
the high point of stained glass art in Ireland?
Irish stained glass reached its apogee in Ireland in the early 20th century,
largely due to the pioneering work of Sarah
Purser (1848-43) of An Tur Gloine, and the supreme glass artistry
of Harry Clarke RHA (1889-1931).
Q. Which
organizations have had the most impact on the history of Irish art?
There are numerous arts bodies which have made significant contributions
to the evolution and development of visual art in Ireland. These include:
the drawing and painting schools of the Royal
Dublin Society, and the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art, as well
as artist-led bodies like the Royal
Hibernian Academy, and the Royal
Ulster Academy.
Q. Where can
I find information about the history and practice of visual arts in Ireland?
For a one page article about art in Ireland, including prehistoric architecture,
painting, sculpture, and contemporary artforms across the 32 counties,
see: Visual Arts in Ireland.
Q. What is the
history of visual arts in Connacht?
Connacht, consisting of counties Galway, Mayo, Leitrim, Roscommon and
Sligo, has a rich tradition of painting (especially landscapes) and sculpture.
For more information, including details of its cultural history, galleries,
art groups and biographies of famous artists from the province, see: Visual
Art in Connacht.
Q. What is the
history of visual arts in Leinster?
Leinster, consisting of counties Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois,
Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow, is home
to the UN heritage site of Newgrange, and to the artistic metropolis of
Dublin, with its huge choice of first-class art venues and art schools.
For more details, including details of its cultural history, museums,
galleries, art groups and biographies of famous artists, see: Visual
Art in Leinster.
Q. What is the
history of visual arts in Munster?
Munster, consisting of counties Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary
and Waterford, has a rich cultural heritage of Celtic artifacts, landscape
painting and stone sculpture, as well as a modern infrastructure including
numerous important museums and arts centres in Cork,
Limerick and Waterford. For more information, including details of its
cultural history, galleries, art groups and biographies of famous artists,
see: Visual Art in Munster.
Q. What is the
history of visual arts in Ulster?
Ulster, consisting of the six counties of Northern Ireland - Antrim, Armagh,
Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone - and three of the Republic - Cavan,
Donegal and Monaghan, has a rich tradition of landscape painting (eg.
Tory Island, the Giant's Causeway and the Glens of Antrim) and sculpture,
as well as artist groups like the Ulster Society of Women artists and
the Ulster Watercolour Society. For more about its cultural history, museums,
art groups and biographies of famous artists, see: Visual
Art in Ulster.
Q. What
are the most famous Irish monuments?
For a list of national monuments of particular cultural, historical or
artistic interest, see: Architectural
Monuments of Ireland and Archeological
Monuments of Ireland.
Q. What is the
foremost arts organization in Ireland?
The main agency tasked with the funding and promotion of art in the republic,
is An Chomhairle Ealaíon - the Arts
Council. Its counterpart, north of the border is the Arts
Council of Northern Ireland.
Q. Which organization
promotes Irish art abroad?
The body that promotes and publicises Irish art and crafts overseas, is
Cultúr Na hÉireann (Culture
Ireland). Both Culture Ireland and the Arts Council are funded by
the Department
of Arts. Another source of finance for artists in Ireland, is the
Percent For
Art Scheme.
Q. Which are the
top art museums in Ireland?
The leading state-run Irish museums are:
• National
Gallery of Ireland
• Hugh Lane Gallery
• National
Museum of Ireland
• Irish Museum
of Modern Art
• National
Self-Portrait Collection of Ireland
Q. Which are
the best commercial art galleries in Ireland?
Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Galway (to name but a few centres)
are home to numerous high quality art venues. For details, see: Irish
Art Galleries.
Q. Where
can I find a list of art exhibitions in Ireland?
For details of visual arts shows in galleries and venues across Ireland,
see: Irish Art Exhibitions.
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Q. Which are the
leading artist-led groups in Ireland?
The most exclusive artist-group is purportedly Aosdana,
whose members represent the cream of art in Ireland. Other groups include,
the National
Sculpture Factory and Visual
Artists Ireland (to name but two).
Q. Which are
the best art colleges in Ireland?
The two top art schools in the Republic of Ireland are: the National
College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin and the Crawford
College of Art and Design, in Cork.
Q. Who is the
greatest Irish painter of all time?
In terms of price, the most successful Irish artist is undoubtedly Francis
Bacon (1909-92).
Q. Which are
the most expensive Irish paintings sold at auction?
For a list of the top 20 highest priced works by artists from Ireland,
see: Most Expensive Irish
Paintings.
Q. Who are Ireland's
most famous artists?
For a list of the most celebrated painters, sculptors, photographers
and ceramicists from the 32 counties of Ireland, see: Famous
Irish Artists.
Q. Who is the
best Irish history painter?
In the view of most art critics, the best Irish history painters are:
James Barry RA (1741-1806)
and Daniel Maclise RA (1806–1870).
Q. Who is
the best Irish portrait painter?
In the view of art collectors, the best Irish portraitist is William
Orpen RA RI HRHA (1878-1931).
Q. Who is the best
Irish genre-painter?
In the view of art collectors, historians and critics, the greatest exponent
of Irish genre-painting is Jack
Butler Yeats RHA (1871-1957).
Q. Who
is the best Irish landscape painter?
In the view of art collectors, the best exponents of Irish landscape painting
are: John Lavery RA RSA RHA
(1856-1941), Walter Frederick
Osborne RHA (1859-1903), Frank
O'Meara (1853-88) and Paul
Henry RHA RUA (1876-1958).
Q. Who is the best
Irish still life artist?
In the view of art collectors, the best Irish still life painter is William
Scott OBE RA (1913-89).
Q. Who are Ireland's
most famous marine artists?
Among the best Irish maritime painters are: Edwin
Hayes RHA (1820-1904), Richard
Beechey HRHA (1808–1895), George
Mounsey Atkinson (1806-1884), and the later San Francisco-based painter
William Coulter (1849-1936).
Q. Who is
the best Irish abstract artist?
In the view of art collectors, the best Irish abstract painter is Sean
Scully (b.1945).
Q. Who are
Ireland's best contemporary artists?
For a selected list of the most exciting modern painters, see: Irish
Contemporary Artists.
Q. Who are the best
Irish Painters?
For a personal view of the top living artists in Ireland, compiled by
our Editor, please see: the Best
Irish Artists (Painters).
Q. Where can I
find information about the Irish fine art market?
For a useful guide to the state of the commercial market in Ireland for
painting and sculpture, together with news of auction prices, see: Irish
Art Market.
Q. Who is the
greatest living Irish sculptor?
According to art collectors, Rowan Gillespie - best known for his "Famine"
series of figurative sculptures - is the most sought-after sculptor from
Ireland. For biographical details, see: Rowan
Gillespie (b.1953).
Q. Who was the leading
artist of the Anglo-Irish school of sculpture?
Most art critics consider John Henry Foley to be the foremost sculptor
of the Anglo-Irish style. One of the youngest ever exhibitors at the Royal
Academy of Arts in London, he is best known for his work on the Albert
Memorial in Hyde Park. For biographical details, see: John
Foley (1818-74).
Q. Who is the considered
to be the leading exponent of "nationalist" sculpture?
Although his reputation has declined somewhat since his death, the Dublin-born
academic realist sculptor Albert Power was the leading "nationalist"
sculptor before and after Independence. For biographical details, see:
Albert Power (1881-1945).
Q. Who is regarded
as Cork's best sculptor?
The greatest 3-D artist from County Cork was Seamus Murphy. Specializing
in stone sculpture, Murphy was a student of the Crawford College of Art
and the son-in-law of Joseph Higgins (1885-1925), another famous Cork
sculptor. For biographical details, see: Seamus
Murphy (1907-1975).
Q. Who was the
greatest sculptor from Northern Ireland?
Arguably the best sculptor from Northern Ireland, was County Down-born
F E McWilliam. Noted for his wide range of materials, including bronze,
stone, wood and cement, he is best known for "The Princess Macha"
outside Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. For biographical details, please
see: F E McWilliam (1909-92).
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