Top 10 Facts about the National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland. Author NTF30 -WIKIMEDIA

Top 10 Facts about the National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland is located in the centre of Dublin with one entrance on Merrion Square. National Gallery was founded in 1854 and opened ten years later.

The National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection of Irish and European art. It has an extensive, representative collection of Irish paintings. Moreover, it is notable for its Italian Baroque and Dutch master paintings.

The National Gallery of Ireland gained attention after the lost Caravaggio, The Taking of Christ, was found. It was discovered hanging in a Jesuit house of studies in Leeson street in Dublin.

 The Jesuits allowed this painting to be exhibited in the gallery. The discovery was the cause of national excitement.

Let’s learn the Top 10 Facts about the National Gallery of Ireland

1. The Gallery was a Tribute to the Generosity of William Dargan

William Dargan approached the Royal Dublin Society in June 1853. He presented an offer to underwrite a spectacular exhibition on Leinster Lawn in Dublin.

He aimed to imitate the great exhibition that had taken place at Crystal Palace in London the previous year. Interestingly, the exhibition was opened eleven months later.

 The exhibition opened an astonishing series of pavilions for which the architect, John Benson, received a knighthood. The enthusiastic response of the visiting crowds demonstrated an active interest in art.

This led to the desire for the establishment of a permanent public collection. As a fitting tribute to the generosity of Dargan.

2. Active Campaigns for the Funding of the Gallery Building were Done for Ten Years

National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. Merrion Square entrance, facade. Author Alicia Fagerving .wikimedia

After the success of the exhibition, A special Dargan committee was established. The committee was to promote the establishment of the National Gallery in Dublin.

November 1854, the Irish institution reported it had considered four possible sites for the location of the National Gallery of Ireland. Active campaigns for the funding of the gallery building were done for ten years.

The National Gallery of Ireland was designed by Francis Fowke. It is an exterior design that replicates the National History Museum of Ireland.

3. It Started with just 112 Pictures

National Gallery of Ireland. Author Sailko. WIKIMEDIA

The National Gallery of Ireland was officially opened to the public on 30 January 1864. It was opened by the Earl of Carlisle.

The collection comprised just 112 pictures. Thirty-nine were purchased in Rome in 1856. Thirty were on loan from the National Gallery, London and elsewhere.

4. A Complex of Buildings with Multiple Wings

The National Gallery of Ireland is a complex of buildings which consists of multiple wings. The oldest is the Dargan Wing dating from 1864. The Milltown Wing was added in 1903, the Beit Wing in 1968 and the Millennium Wing in 2001.

5. The Countess of Milltown Gifted over 200 Pictures to the Gallery

National Gallery of Ireland. Author Sailko. WIKIMEDIA

In 1866, an annual purchase grant of £1000 was allocated for the acquisition of pictures. The National Gallery of Ireland thrived over the years through purchases, bequests and donations.

In 1901, the Countess of Milltown gifted over 200 pictures to the Gallery from her house at Russborough. Moreover, she donated a collection of silver, furniture and books from her library.

The gift was so substantial that a new extension had to construct to accommodate it. The bequest has contributed to the quality of the collections housed in the National Gallery of Ireland today.

6. The National Gallery of Ireland has Approximately 14,000 Artworks

The collection has about 14,000 artworks, including about 2,500 oil paintings, 5,000 drawings, 5,000 prints, and some sculptures, furniture and other works

7. The National Gallery Features Works of Different Artists

Jacob Jordaens, The Supper at Emmaus (National Gallery of Ireland). Author Karmakolle –WIKIMEDIA

You will find different works in the four wings of the National Gallery of Ireland. These include works by the Dutch such as Rembrandt and his circle.

Additionally, Spanish collection with paintings by El Greco, Goya and Picasso. A well-represented display of Italian works dating from the early Renaissance to the 18th century. Fra Angelico, Titian and Tintoretto are among the artists represented.

8. The Library and Archives Collections Encompass Unique and Historically Significant Collections

The National Gallery of Ireland’s library and archives Collections feature significant collections for the study of art history. The origins of the collections can be traced back to the foundation of the institution over one hundred and sixty years ago.

The collections cover the visual arts from classical to contemporary. Moreover, the collections continue to be a vital research element of the National collection.

Open to the public, it has particularly rich holdings relating to the history of western European art from the Middle Ages on. Furthermore, the collections relating to Irish and Italian art are extensive.

9. The Gallery Gained International Attention after Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ was Discovered

The lost Caravaggio, The Taking of Christ was discovered hanging in a Jesuit house of studies on Leeson street in Dublin. It was discovered in the 1990s by Sergio Benedetti.

 The Jesuits allowed this painting to be exhibited in the gallery. The discovery was the cause of national excitement.

10. The National Gallery of Ireland Features the Zurich Portrait Prize

The Zurich Portrait Prize is an exhibition of commissioned Artists creating works of portraiture. The exhibition was originally known as the Hennessy Portrait Prize.

The Prize is open to artists in all mediums who are either citizens in Ireland or Irish citizens living abroad. The prize consists of €15,000 and a €5,000 commission to create a portrait that would be exhibited in the gallery.

They are various artists who participated and won the exhibition. These include ( 2018) Mandy O’Neill, (2017) Jack Hickey, (2016) Gerry Davis, (2015) Vera Klute and in 2014 the winner was Nick Miller.