Irish Art: Questions and Answers
About Fine Arts in Ireland: History, Genres, Artists: Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics.
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Irish Art Questions

Bookmark this page for answers to all your queries about visual arts in Ireland. See also: Questions About Art - Questions About Famous Artists - Questions About History of Art.

Questions About the History of Visual Arts Concerning Ireland

What were the 10 stages in the history of Irish Art?
What visual art was produced in Ireland during the Stone Age?
Why is Newgrange considered to be so important in Irish art?
What visual art was produced in Ireland during the Bronze Age?
What visual art was produced in Ireland during the Iron Age?
What were the origins of Celtic Culture?
What were the earliest types of Celtic art?
What is the Broighter Gold Torc?
What is the Petrie Crown?
What is the Ardagh Chalice?
What is the Derrynaflan Hoard?
What is the Moylough Belt Shrine?
What is the Tully Lough Cross?
What is the Tara Brooch?
What is the Cross of Cong?
What are the best examples of precious metalwork from the Irish Iron Age?
What factors influenced the development of Irish art during the first Millennium?
What religious art was produced in Ireland during the period 600-900 CE?
What are the most famous Irish Illuminated Gospel Books?
How Were Illuminated Gospel Manuscripts Made?
What is the Lebor Gabala Erenn (Book Of Invasions)?
What sculpture was produced in Ireland during the Middle Ages?
How did painting develop in Ireland?
Who were the most famous artists in Ireland during the 18th century?
Who were the best artists in Ireland during the 19th century?
How did Irish Painting develop during the 20th Century?
How did portrait painting develop in Ireland?
How did landscape painting develop in Ireland?
What is the history of plein air painting in Ireland?
How did genre painting develop in Ireland?
Who are the "Oil Painters of Ireland"?
What is the history of representational painting in Ireland?
Who pioneered abstract art in Ireland?
How did modern sculpture develop in Ireland?
Who are the best contemporary ceramicists in Ireland?
What was the high point of stained glass art in Ireland?
Which organizations have had the most impact on the history of Irish art?
Questions About Art in Ireland Today

Where can I find information about the heritage and practice of visual arts in Ireland?
What is the history of visual arts in Connacht?
What is the history of visual arts in Leinster?
What is the history of visual arts in Munster?
What is the history of visual arts in Ulster?
What are the most famous cultural/historical monuments in Ireland?
What is the foremost arts organization in Ireland?
Which organization promotes Irish art abroad?
Which are the top art museums in Ireland?
Which are the best commercial art galleries in Ireland?
Where can I find a list of art exhibitions in Ireland?
Which are the leading artist-led groups in Ireland?
Which are the best art colleges in Ireland?

Questions About Painters in Ireland

Who is the greatest Irish painter of all time?
Which are the most expensive Irish paintings sold at auction?
Who are Ireland's most famous artists?
Who is the best Irish history painter?
Who is the best Irish portrait painter?
Who is the best Irish genre-painter?
Who is the best Irish landscape painter?
Who is the best Irish still life artist?
Who are Ireland's most famous marine artists?
Who is the best Irish abstract artist?
Who are Ireland's best contemporary artists?
Who are the best Irish Painters?
Where can I find information about the Irish fine art market?

Questions About Sculptors in Ireland

Who is the greatest living Irish sculptor?
Who was the leading artist of the Anglo-Irish school of sculpture?
Who is the considered to be the leading exponent of "nationalist" sculpture?
Who is regarded as Cork's best sculptor?
Who was the greatest sculptor from Northern Ireland?

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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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• For more answers to questions about arts and crafts in Ireland, see: Homepage.


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