Irish Artists

Francis Bacon

Irish-born British figurative painter known for unsettling imagery focusing on subjects such as crucifixion, popes, and self-portraits.

Triptych

A work of art divided into three sections or panels, often used in paintings.

Diptych

A work of art that is made up of two panels or pieces, typically hinged together and used as altarpieces.

Furies

Chthonic goddesses of vengeance in ancient Greece, representing self-cursing acts.

Paul Henry

Irish artist noted for depicting landscapes of the West of Ireland in a spare post impressionist style.

Sean Keating

Irish romantic-realist painter who documented the Irish War of Independence and early industrialization.

Night’s Candles Are Burnt Out

A painting by Sean Keating that serves as a metaphor for Ireland moving to modernity, depicting various aspects of contemporary Irish society.

John Lavery

Irish painter known for portraits and official war art, including paintings of Queen Victoria and Michael Collins.

William Orpen

Prolific Irish painter known for his war art and society portraits, who was also a leading figure in the Celtic Revival.

Markey Robinson

Painter and sculptor with a primitive style; his work was influenced by Native American and South American art.

Jack Butler Yeats

Irish painter known for his expressionist works, landscapes, and depictions of Irish life and culture.

Society of Dublin Painters

An organization formed in 1920 to promote Irish modern art, founded by artists such as Mary Swanzy and Jack B. Yeats.

Madonna and Child

A traditional Christian motif represented in art, often depicting the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus.

Three Studies for Figures at the Base of Crucifixion

A pivotal painting by Francis Bacon, showcasing his unique style developed in the 1940s.

Black Triptych

A painting by Francis Bacon that portrays the moments surrounding the suicide of his lover, George Dyer.

Maine Jellett

Among the first abstract painters in Ireland, known for her promotion of modern art and participation in international exhibitions.

Norah McGuinness

An Irish artist known for her cubist-influenced vivid landscapes and contribution to the Irish Exhibit of Living Art.

Mary Swanzy

One of Ireland's first abstract painters, known for her eclectic style that incorporated influences from cubism and futurism.

Where was Francais Bacon Born

Dublin

How was Bacon's relationship with his parents?

Very Poor because he was raised by the family nanny and was whipped by his father for dressing feminine

What did Francis Bacon do a lot of in his childhood? How did this make him feel?

Bacon moved bewtween London and Dublin, often feeling isolated and rejected due to his sexuality.

What did Francis Bacon do in his 20s

Took part in petty theft, Couldn't keep a job, Was involved in the homosexual underworld, Moved back to London to work in interior design

What is this painting called/ What is the backstory (Bacon)

Crucifixion (1993)- Not received well- May be based on catholic upbringing and political violence- explores themes of faith and suffering.

What did Bacon's early success look like?

In 1944 he deveolped his unique style and painted the Furies and Painting.

Three Furies painting

(Bacon)

Based on the Emunides or Furies / To be displayed at the base of a crucifixtion / Based on the quote "the reek of human blood smiles out of me.

What is the lore behind this picture (Bacon)

A screaming nurse from a movie that Bacon was obssed with (had this picture hung everywhere) / Made a pope painting

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“Painting" (Bacon)

• Originally intended to show a chimpanzee in long grass 

  • Attempted to paint over with bird and prey landing in a field 

• Considers his “most unconscious” work 

What series took place in the late 40ds? (Bacon

The head series

Head VI

Bacon

Screaming pope in a glass cage / Modeled on Portrait of Innocent X / Part of larger series depicting isolated figures 

What was happening in the 1960's and 1970's (Bacon

• Screaming pope series show similar motifs but with full figures 

• Inspo

• 1960s-1970s

  • Was mostly in abusive relationships 

    • Now with Dyer who is much younger than him and not a great guy 

  • Work moved to mostly portraits of friends 

    • Mostly of Dyer 

What was happening in 1971 (Bacon)

• Bacon’s career peaked - “Greatest Living Painter” 

  • Dyer is a huge pain at this point 

    • Alcoholic, needy, in a downward spiral 

      • May sucicide attempts 

• Dyer overdoses 2 days before Bacon is told 

  • From here death haunted is work 

  • Black Triptych 

Black Triphtych

• Shows the moments before, during, and after Dyer’s suicide 

  • Not always shown linerly 

• Each shows a comatose man near a toilet 

• Dyer is followed by a black winged creature or raw blobs of dying flesh 

  • Act as pointers to the the tragedy of the scene 

  • Manifestations of Bacon’s guilt 

Who most likely painted these?

Francis Bacon (1909-1992)

Where was Maine Jellet born?

Dublin (moved to Paris in 1921)

Who was Maine Jellet taught by?

William Orpen at the Metroplis school of art at age 11

What did the 1920's look like for Maine Jellet?

• Moved to Paris in 1921

  • Encountered cubism and abstract art 

  • Color and rhythm inspired her to stay in France 

• 1923 exhibited cubist paintings - received a hostile response 

  • At the Dublin Painted’s exhibition 

What was Maine Jellets religious stand point?

Deeply committed christian

What are Maine Jellets abstracts built on? How did she add the the modernism movement?

A central eye or heart in the middle

• Important figure in Irish Art History 

  • An early proponent of abstract art and modernism movemen

Who painted this / What is it called / What is it based on /

Maine Jellet / Decoration / Based on Madonna and Child

What is this painting called and who painted it

Virgen of Eire / Maine Jellet

Who most likeley painted these?

When did Paul Henery live?

1876-1958

Where was Paul Henery born?

Belfast Ireland

Where did Paul Henery move to through out the years?

• Studied art at Royal Belfast Academical Institution 

  • Then switched to Belfast school of Artnefore going to Paris 

• Married a painter and moved back to Ireland 

  • Moved to Achill Island 

    • Here he learned to capture the peculiar interplay of light and landscape of West of Ireland 

  • Move to Dublin 

Who was the most renowned Irish Arist in the 20s and 30s?

Paul Henery

Who's use of color was affected by red- green colorblindess

Paul Henery (Lost all sight in 1945)

Who most likely painted these?

Paul Henery

What did Sean Keating study before receiving a scholarship from William Orpen?

He studied drawing.

Where did Sean Keating go to study art after receiving a scholarship?

He studied at the Metropolitan School of Art.

What award did Sean Keating win for his painting?

He won an award for his painting titled 'The Reconciliation'.

What role did Sean Keating take on while working with William Orpen?

He worked as Orpen’s studio assistant in London.

What significant event did Sean Keating return to Ireland to document?

He returned to document the Irish Civil War.

How is Sean Keating described as a painter?

He is described as an intellectual painter.

What did Sean Keating consciously aim to explore in his paintings?

He consciously set out to explore the visual identity of the Irish Nation.

How are Sean Keating's paintings characterized in terms of realism?

His paintings show very idealized realism.

What did Sean Keating feel was his mission as an artist?

He felt that his mission was to define what nationhood meant in his paintings.

Backstory behind this painting?

• Painted in a time of uncertainty 

• Shows the members of the North Cork Brigade 

• Staged in a studio after the war ended 

  • Based on concept of the Greek frieze 

    • Depicted heroic figure ready for battle

• hows IRA members waiting to ambush British military 

  • Ambush is imminent but based on their posture these men are not concerned for their safety but instead for the principle 

  • Neutral tones create and earthy wholesome attachment to the land 

  • Made as heroes but doesn’t show the grime and pain of war 

    • Shows the idealism 

Backstory behind this painting (why was this painted?)

• Painted during the Irish Civil War 

  • Addressed social and political matters affecting Ireland 

  • Communicates his suspicions of clerical, political, and business elite

Clergyman and Finely Dressed Man (An Allegory)

Represents a conversation about values and perspectives in Irish society, with the finely dressed man turned away, indicating disconnection from broader issues.

Young Mother (An Allegory)

Symbolizes the 'Mother of Ireland,' representing care for the nation's future.

Nursing Baby (An Allegory)

Represents future generations and the hope for a prosperous Ireland.

Slumped Man (An Allegory)

A self-portrait of Sean Keating, reflecting personal disillusionment amid national turmoil.

Soldiers in Allegory (An Allegory)

Symbolize the conflicting forces in the Irish Civil War, with Free State and Anti-Treaty Forces facing opposite directions while burying a coffin with a flag.

Human and Material Cost of Civil War (An Allegory)

The allegory highlights the sacrifices made during the Irish Civil War, underlining the heavy toll on society.

Divisive Nature of Conflict (An Allegory)

The allegory points to the deep divisions created by the civil war and the lasting consequences for the nation.

Idealism vs. Indifference (An Allegory)

The shift from the idealism of the independence struggle to a state of indifference and personal interests is a central theme of the allegory.

Backstory/ symbolism

• Construction of hydroelectric dam at Ardnacrusha 

• Includes figures who represent different aspects Keating saw as the Ireland of the day 

• Metaphor for Ireland moving to modernity 

Night’s Candles Are Burnt Out

A painting by Sean Keating that reflects disappointment with post-treaty Ireland, showcasing various themes including hope, disillusionment, and societal critique.

Top right segment of Night’s Candles Are Burnt Out

Features Keating with his wife and sons pointing to Ireland’s future, symbolizing hope for progress.

Left side of Night’s Candles Are Burnt Out

Depicts Keating inspecting a hanging skeleton, reminiscent of the Great Famine, symbolizing loss and suffering.

Bottom right segment of Night’s Candles Are Burnt Out

Shows a priest reading by candlelight, representing Keating's attitude toward the church and its role in society.

Critique of post-treaty Ireland in Night’s Candles Are Burnt Out

Disappointment with the government and church depicted as being in cahoots, reflecting societal disillusionment.

Middle segment featuring the Gombeen man (A nights candles are burnt out)

Represents a politician or businessman profiting off the struggles of others, highlighting corruption and exploitation in society.

Reflection of Ireland in Night’s Candles Are Burnt Out

Captures a country on the brink of change, questioning its direction and the influences of power structures.

Who most likley painted these?

Sean Keating (1889-1977)

Who was John Lavery

Irish painter known for portraits and official war art, including paintings of Queen Victoria and Michael Collins.

Early life of John Lavery (where did he live)

Born in Belfast, John Lavery moved to Scotland as a child.

Art education of John Lavery

Attended Glasgow School of Art and the Académie Julian in Paris.

Who was commissioned to paint for Queen Victoria?

In 1888, Lavery was commissioned to paint the state visit of Queen Victoria.

Where was Lavery's career launch?

Lavery launched his career as a society painter and later moved to London.

Who was an Official Artist of WWI

John Lavery was appointed as an official artist of WWI, similar to William Orpen.

How idd John Lavery's car crash incident affect him?

A serious car crash during a bombing raid prevented him from fulfilling his role and going to the Western Front.

What subjects of war did John Lavery Paint?

Mainly painted aeroplanes and airships during his time as a war artist.

Who was knighted after the war?

After the war, Lavery was knighted for his contributions to war art.

What year was John Lavery elected into the Royal Academy?

Elected to the Royal Academy in 1921.

What years did John Lavery compeat in the Olympic Art competitions?

Participated in the Olympic Art Competitions in 1924, 1928, and 1932.

Irish Wars Involvement of John Lavery?

Tangentially involved in the Irish Wars, allowing use of his London home for negotiations.

What painting did Lavery paint after the assassination of Micheal Collins?

Lavery painted 'Love of Ireland' after the assassination of Michael Collins.

What was Lavery‘s role in Irish Independence

Lavery was a leading figure in the struggle for Irish independence.

Backstory behind this painting?

Red Rose / John Lavery / Painting of his wife Hazel Lavery / Lady Lavery became an icon in Irish art / Her face ended up on bank notes

Who most likley painted these

John Lavery

What was Louis LeBrocguy known for?

Ghostly Figures

Where was Louis LeBrocquy born?

Dublin.

What profession did Louis LeBrocquy's sister pursue?

She became a sculptor.

Did Louis LeBrocqy attend school for art?

No, he did not go to school for art.

What subject did Louis LeBrocquy study?

Chemistry.

What is Louis LeBrocquy widely acclaimed for?

Evocative portrait heads of literary figures and fellow artists.

Later Life of Louis LeBrocquy

In his later years, LeBrocquy focused on creating paintings that attracted international attention, especially his 'Tinker' subjects and 'Grey period' family paintings.

Art Market Achievement of Louis LeBrocquy

He is among the few Irish and British painters whose artwork has fetched prices over £1 million.

Cover Designs by Louis LeBrocquy

LeBrocquy designed covers for notable works such as 'Lark in the Morning' and 'The Rising of the Moon'.