World maps--Early works to 1800
Ireland
Royal Dublin Society
A map of Ireland, based on the cartography of John Speed, English cartographer and historian (1551/2-1629), from the first edition of his BRITANNIA: Or, a GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION of the KINGDOMS of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with the Isles and Territories thereto belonging (Printed by Thomas Roycroft for the Undertaker, Richard Blome, 1673). At the lower left of the plate, the title of the map is inscribed within a strapwork cartouche A MAPP OF THE KINGDOME OF IRELAND BY RIC BLOME BY HIS MATYS COM. At the left edge of the plate, four cartouches contain the crests of four noblemen including: Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington; Sir Robert Ridgeway; the Right Hon. Richard Earl of Arran; John Lord Baron of Kingston, as well as dedications to them from Blome. The borders and seacoasts of the four provinces of Ulster, Leinster, Munster, and Connacht are outlined in hand-colour, and the provinces are further divided into their constituent counties. At the right edge of the plate are the Isle of Anglesey and the Isle of Man and parts of the Scottish and Welsh coastlines; vignettes of a compass rose and two galleons decorate the area of the Irish Sea.
Blome, Richard, -1705
1673
Copyright RDS Library & Archives. Publication, transmission or display is prohibited without formal written approval of the RDS Library & Archives.
RDS_treasures_102_Blome_Map of ireland.jpeg
Portrait painting, Irish--19th century
Portrait of Thomas Pleasants (1728-1818), Irish landowner and philanthropist. The subject depicted full length, seated, in three-quarter left profile and gazing front; in an open-arm, red-upholstered fauteuil-style armchair, against the rear left support of which rests a leather-bound volume, the spine inscribed in gold lettering VISITORS OBSERVATIONS STOVE TENTER HOUSE; his left arm on the armrest, his right arm on a red cloth-covered table upon which are a silver tray with a pen and inkwell, a pocket-watch, two small, thin books and a plan of the front elevation of the Gate House, Botanic Garden[s], Glasnevin (for the construction of which, Pleasants donated £700 to the [Royal] Dublin Society in 1815); wearing dark-coloured frock coat, waistcoat and breeches, white stock, jabot and ruffled cuffs and black, knee high boots; set against a background with a window, draped with a red-and-gold damask curtain, through which the façade of the Stove Tenter House, Dublin (for the construction of which, Pleasants donated £13,000 in 1814) can be seen. Signed with monogram and dated lower right, SW 1820. Provenance: The Pleasants Bequest, 1818. Solomon Williams was a pupil at the Society’s Schools. In 1771.
Williams, Solomon, 1757-1824
1820
RDS_treasures_116_Williams_Thomas Pleasants.jpeg
Portrait, possibly of The Hon. Grace O’Brien (1802-1871), eldest daughter of Sir Edward O’Brien, 4th Baronet O’Brien, of Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare, and Lady Charlotte (née Smith, of Cahermoyle, Co. Limerick), or it may depict Grace’s younger sister, Harriet O’Brien Monsell (1811-83). The subject depicted full length, standing, directed front, with head in three-quarter right profile and gazing right; wearing an all-white satin gown with off-shoulder, puffed cap-sleeve overlaid with a white-tulle gigot sleeve, a white-satin sash with gold buckle at the waist and a flower-and-leaf motif brooch at the décolleté, a white, tulle veil attached to her hair bun, white stockings and black slippers, cross-tied at the ankle; resting on her forehead, a circlet with single teardrop pearl, at her throat, a double-strand pearl necklace, on her left wrist, a triple-strand pearl bracelet with gold clasp, hanging below her jawline, a pair of large teardrop-pearl earrings, a gold band on her left ring-finger; her right arm resting on a giltwood floor-harp; to her left, a whippet in sitting position; at the left edge and upper right of the composition, a draped, scarlet curtain; set against a wooded landscape; unsigned.
Catterson Smith, Stephen, 1806–1872
1830
RDS_treasures_13_Catterson Smith_Lady with harp.jpeg
Portrait of John Henry Watson (1787-1869), inaugural Master of the Tullow Hunt, Carlow. The subject depicted full length, directed slightly left, gazing front; seated in a red leather armchair; wearing a scarlet, cutaway hunting coat with four brass buttons, buff-coloured waistcoat, white chemise with standing collar, black cravat, buff-coloured breeches – buttoned at the knee – and black top boots; on the right, a pair of brown-leather riding gloves and a black, felt-covered riding hat; on the left, a bookcase upon which is a bound volume, a folded newspaper and a hunting horn; in his right hand, a riding crop; on his right knee, a foxhound in sitting position rests its head; on the floor beneath his feet, a wolfskin; signed and dated lower right Painted by Catterson Smith PRHA 1861 Dublin.
1861
RDS_treasures_170_Catterson Smith_John Henry Watson.jpg
Portrait painting, Irish--20th century
Portrait of James Meenan, M.A., B.L., Irish economist, lecturer and later Professor of Political Economy and National Economics of Ireland, at UCD, President of the Royal Dublin Society (1980-1983), Vice-President of the Royal Dublin Society (1974-80), Executive Committee Chairman of the Royal Dublin Society (1959-80), Honorary Secretary of the Royal Dublin Society (1953-74). The subject depicted three-quarter length, directed to proper right, gazing front; seated in a green-brown, leather carver-armchair, holding documents in his lap; wearing a dark suit, white shirt with point collar and double cuffs, gold cufflinks, mauve tie and white pocket handkerchief; in the background, a draped, light-blue curtain and a table upon which are more documents; signed and dated lower right John F. Kelly 81.
Kelly, John F., 1921-1995
1981
RDS_treasures_179_Kelly_James Meenan.jpg
Portrait of Jaspar Robert Joly (1819–92), vicar-general of the diocese of Tuam and bibliophile. The subject depicted three-quarter length, directed and gazing front; seated next to a table covered with a red cloth to the right, upon which are a number of volumes, one with a green and gold spine; bespectacled, with a Shenandoah-style beard and wearing a black robe and white shirt; set against a dark interior, the red-papered wall with wood-panelling beneath the dado.
Catterson Smith, Stephen, 1806-1872
1871
RDS_treasures_176_Catterson Smith_Jasper Joly.jpg
Royal Dublin Society. Drawing Schools
Portrait of Robert J. Hunter, Secretary of the Irish Turf Club and Keeper of the Match Book. The subject depicted three-quarter length, directed slightly left, in three-quarter profile, gazing front; seated at a desk upon which are two bound volumes and an upended squire-style top hat, his parted hands resting in his lap; wearing a dark coat, white shirt with standing collar points and black cravat; in the background, a single, framed print hangs on the wall; signed with monogram lower right TAJ. Sir Thomas Alfred Jones was a pupil at the Royal Dublin Society Drawing Schools.
Jones, Thomas Alfred, 1823-1893
1885
RDS_treasures_171_Jones_Robert Hunter.jpg
A George III carved giltwood armorial armchair, designed by James Mannin and made by Richard Cranfield in 1767, the shaped, rectangular padded back in a moulded frame carved with cornucopia issuing wheatsheaves and fruit and surmounted by the Royal Dublin Society oval medallion incorporating Minerva (the emblem of the Royal Dublin Society since the mid-1740s), the base carved with the motto NOSTRI PLENA LABORIS (Our work bears fruit) and surmounted by ribbon ties and a plaque inscribed CHAIR FOR THE PRESIDING MEMBER AT THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY’S MEETINGS DESIGNED BY JAMES MANNIN MASTER OF THE SCHOOL OF ORNAMENTAL DRAWING AND MADE BY T. [SIC] CRANFIELD. 1767., the serpentine upholstered seat flanked by arms carved as acanthus leaf scrolls, terminating in circular moulded and covered rests, the supports carved as dolphins, the gadrooned chair rail centred by confronting acanthus foliage and on acanthus-carved and moulded cabriole supports and scrolled toes, headed by stylised harebells. James Mannin was Master of the Royal Dublin Society School of Ornamental Drawing.
Mannin, James -1779
1767
Cranfield, Richard, 1731–1809
RDS_treasures_534_Mannin_President's chair.jpg
Thalia, Muse of Comedy
Sculpture, Classical, in art
Bust of Thalia, Muse of Comedy, the subject modelled slightly to proper right, with blind eyes; wearing a chiton, belted beneath the bust and secured at each shoulder with a pin of disc form, and a fruit and foliate wreath on her head; on a white marble socle of circular, waisted form; copied from the original statue of Thalia at the Vatican Museums; unsigned.
Panormo, Constantine, c.1805-1852
1827
Blackburne, Francis, 1782-1867
Portrait sculpture, British--19th century
Portrait bust of Francis Blackburne (1782–1867), Lord Chancellor of Ireland (1852–3, 1866–7) and President of the RDS for the same period; the subject modelled to front; wearing classical robes; on a white marble socle of quadrangular, waisted form, inscribed Francis Blackburne C.; signed verso Shakespear Wood Roma 1865.
Wood, Shakespear, 1827-1886
1865
Paget, Henry William, Marquis of Anglesey, 1768-1854
Portrait bust of Henry William Paget, 1st Marquis of Anglesey (1768–1854), Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1829-30, 1831-3) and President of the RDS for the same period; the subject modelled to proper left; wearing classical robes with two tassels on braids at proper right shoulder; on a white marble socle of circular, waisted form, inscribed recto Anglesey; signed verso Marquis of Anglesey Sievier Sculpt 1830.
Sievier, Robert William, 1794-1865
Curran, John Philpot, 1750-1817
Portrait sculpture, Irish--19th century
Portrait bust of John Philpot Curran (1750–1817), Irish politician, lawyer and Master of the Rolls for Ireland (1806-14); the subject modelled to proper right, gazing upwards; wearing classical robes; on a white marble socle of circular, waisted form; unsigned.
Moore, Christopher, 1790-1863
De Grey, Thomas Philip De Grey, Earl, 1781-1859
Portrait bust of Thomas Philip, 2nd Earl de Grey (1781–1859), politician and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1841-44) and President of the RDS for the same period; the subject modelled to proper left, with blind eyes; wearing classical robes and the star of the Order of the Garter at proper left breast; on a quadrangular terminal base; inscribed recto De Grey, signed T Farrell M.S.T.A.F. Terence Farrell was a pupil at the Royal Dublin Society School of Modelling.
Farrell, Terence, 1798-1876
1845
Portrait bust of Alexander Nimmo (1783-1832), Scottish-born surveyor and engineer, active in Ireland from 1811; the subject modelled to proper left; on a white marble socle of circular, waisted form; inscribed Alexander Nimmo.
Jones, John Edward, 1806-1862
Portrait Bust of Francis Leopold McClintock
McClintock, Francis Leopold, Sir, 1819-1907
Portrait bust of Admiral Sir Francis Leopold McClintock (1819-1907), (British) Royal Navy officer and arctic explorer; the subject modelled to proper right, wearing a coat with buttons of a Royal Navy captain (and/or lieutenant), an open shirt with soft, fold-down collar, a knotted scarf, the Arctic Medal (awarded for leading the British Franklin Search Expedition, 1857-1859) pinned to his coat, his naval garb covered with classical drapery; on a white marble socle of circular, waisted form; inscribed recto Sir Leopold McClintock, signed verso J R Kirk RHA. Joseph Robinson Kirk was Master of the Royal Dublin Society School of Modelling.
Kirk, Joseph Robinson, 1821-1894
1862
Griffith, Richard John, Sir, 1784-1878
Portrait bust of Sir Richard John Griffith (1784-1878), geologist, surveyor and RDS Mining Engineer (1812–39), noted for his; the subject modelled to proper left; on a quadrangular terminal base; inscribed recto Sir Richard Griffith, Bart, signed verso T Farrell RHA. Thomas Farrell was a pupil at the Royal Dublin Society School of Modelling.
Farrell, Thomas, 1827-1900
1881
Vallancey, Charles, 1721-1812
Portrait of General Charles Vallancey (Ca.1725-1812), British military surveyor, cartographer and Chief Engineer of Ireland, Vice-President of the (Royal) Dublin Society (1799-1812). The subject depicted full length, in three-quarter left profile, gazing front; seated in a carved giltwood armorial armchair with shaped oval upholstered back in a moulded frame and cabriole supports carved as dolphins on moulded supports and scrolled toes (the supports identical to those of RDS.534 The RDS President's Chair), against the left side of which two cartography portfolios are propped; his proper left arm on the armrest of the chair, his proper right arm resting on a cartograph which is spread between his lap and a table, upon which also is an inkwell and two quills; wearing a single-curl periwig, dark blue coat with high turndown collar, wide lapel and brass buttons, yellow stand-collar waistcoat, white cravat, dark breeches and highly polished black boots; set against a red curtain, pulled back to reveal the base of a classical column in the upper left of the composition. Andrew Richard Twigg was a pupil at the Royal Dublin Society Drawing Schools.
Twigg, Andrew Richard, d.1810
1810
RDS_treasures_177_Williams_Charles Vallancey.jpg
Silver
Dublin Horse Show
The irregular-form body supported on a trumpet-shaped stem with two Celtic scroll handles, the detachable cover with a spire and Celtic scroll finial, the cover inscribed COMHRAMH NA HEIREANN ARNA BHRONNADH AG REALTAS NA HEIREANN DO CHOMÓRTAS LÉIMNI IDIRNAISÚNTA A TASIPEANTAS NA GCAPALL BAILE ATHA CLIATH (IRISH COMMENDATION AWARDED BY THE IRISH GOVERNMENT AT THE DUBLIN HORSE SHOW INTERNATIONAL JUMPING COMPETITION), the conforming foot engraved with names and dates, on a silver-mounted ebonised stand. Hallmarked ‘P.D.’ and date of 1992.
Unknown Artist
1992
RDS_treasures_C136_PD_Government cup.jpg
The Department of Agriculture Short Horn Cattle Class Cup
Realistically modelled as The Warwick Vase, with beaded shell and dart rim, the campana-form body chased with lion’s pelts and applied in high relief with Bacchic masks and thyrsi, with a roundel of chased stiff leaves below, the twin reeded bifurcated and entwined scroll handles with vine tendrils, on a gadrooned socle and square base with a further silver mounted stone base, the sides of the stone base each applied with a silver plaque, one engraved with an inscription SPRING SHOW 1978 FOR THE BEST ANIMAL SELECTED UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S SHORT HORN CATTLE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME, the other side engraved with names and dates, all contained in a fitted oak case. The original Warwick Vase dates from the 2nd century B.C. and was excavated in fragments by Gavin Hamilton, a Scottish painter, antiquarian and art dealer, in 1769–70 from the grounds of the Villa Tiburtina near Tivoli, Rome, which belonged to the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The vase was purchased in 1778 by George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick, from Sir William Hamilton, a British diplomat in Rome and a collector of antiquaries.
Walker & Hall (Sheffield, UK)
1914
RDS_treasures_C18_Walker & Hall_Irish Government cup.jpg
In the form of a cow, on a wood plinth with applied silver plaque inscribed ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY SPRING SHOW PERPETUAL CHALLENGE TROPHY PRESENTED BY THE JERSEY CATTLE SOCIETY OF IRELAND FOR THE BEST JERSEY COW WHICH HAS A REGISTERED LIFETIME YIELD OF NOT LESS THAN 50,000 L.B.S. OF MILK.; unmarked.
RDS_treasures_C49_Unknown_Jersey Cattle trophy.jpg
The ovoid body on a stepped, domed base, the lower body chased with foliage, the shoulder chased with a band of trailing foliage and palmettes on a textured ground, with two handles of two entwined snakes and applied grotesque mask shields, engraved on one side with the inscription ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY HORSE SHOW PERPETUAL CHALLENGE CUP FOR THE BEST THOROUGHBRED BROOD MARE WITH FOAL AT FOOT OWNED BY AN EXHIBITOR RESIDENT IN IRELAND, and further engraved with names and dates. This cup is presented by the Royal Dublin Society in memory of Mr. Michael Moran to the winner of the Six-Year-Old ‘Cruising’ National Show Jumping Championship.
Hutton & Sons (London, UK)
1899
RDS_treasures_C41_Hutton & Sons_Michael Moran trophy.jpg
An Irish parcel-gilt silver model of a hunting horn, the curved cylindrical body engraved with flutes, with silver gilt bands, the rim engraved with an early Celtic inscription COMÔRTAS NA MARCRAIḊE CURAḊ-ṀÍR, with a separate, ebonised wood and brass plinth, the base applied with silver plaques and engraved with the inscription ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY’S HORSE SHOW INTERNATIONAL MILITARY JUMPING COMPETITION PRESENTED BY THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, and further applied with shields with engraved names and dates. Hallmarked ‘O.R.’ with the office mark of Dublin and the date mark of 1984. Now presented for the Champion Loose Performance Colt / Gelding.
1984
RDS_treasures_C59_Unknown_Michael Osborne cup.jpg
The campana-shaped body with two scrolling handles on a spreading foot, chased overall with foliage and flowers, further chased on one side with a woman at a spinning wheel and engraved on the other side with an inscription FLAX LIMERICK CHALLENGE CUP THIS CUP IS TO BE HELD SUBJECT TO CHALLENGE BY THE PERSON TO WHOM IT MAY BE DULY AWARDED FOR HAVING CULTIVATED IN THE SEASON PRECEDING SUCH AWARD AS OWNER OR TENANT THE GREATEST NUMBER OF ACRES UNDER A CROP OF FLAX WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE COUNTY OF LIMERICK OR AT THE COUNTY OF THE CITY OF LIMERICK IT IS CHALLENGEABLE YEARLY AND WILL BE AWARDED ON THE FOREGOING CONDITIONS AFTER THE FLAX CROP SHALL HAVE BEEN HARVESTED IN EACH YEAR THIS CUP IS TO BECOME THE PROPERTY OF THE PERSON TO WHOM IT MAY BE DULY AWARDED ON SUCCESSFUL CHALLENGE FOR CULTIVATION OF FLAX DURING THREE SUCCESSIVE SEASONS PRESENTED BY WILLIAM SMITH O’BRIEN JANUARY 1864. William Smith O’Brien (1803–64) was a Member of the Irish Parliament and a leader of the Young Ireland movement. He was an advocate of the Irish nationalist agenda and was committed to eliminating famine in Limerick.
Samuel le Bas, (Dublin, Ireland)
1863
RDS_treasures_C67_Le Bas_Smith O'Brien cup.jpg
The Aberdeen-Angus Association Challenge Cup
Inscribed 1895 IRISH POLLED ABERDEEN-ANGUS ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP BEST BULL, with a further inscription WON OUT IN 1897 BY A.J. OWEN ESQ. WITH HIS BULL MICK 3RD [10254] PRESENTED BY MR OWEN TO THE IRISH ABERDEEN-ANGUS ASSOCIATION, AND HAS AGAIN BEEN OFFERED BY THE ASSOCIATION FOR COMPETITION AT THE SOCIETY’S SPRING SHOWS. Made by Charles Lambe, Dublin Retailed by Waterhouse, Dublin
Charles Lambe (Dublin, Ireland)
1894
RDS_treasures_C8_Lambe_Aberdeen Angus cup.jpg
The RDS Horse Show Champion Hack Challenge Cup
With domed foot and tapering stem engraved with two wheatear bands, the bowl with twin scroll handles, also with chased wheatear bands at the base and rim, with an inscription reading ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY HORSE SHOW PERPETUAL CHALLENGE CUP CHAMPION HACK, the finial in the form of a horse, on an ebonised plinth. With mark of Dublin; maker and date marks worn.
1999
RDS_treasures_C19_Unknown_Champion Hack cup.jpg
In the form of crouching fox on a rockwork base, set with red glass eyes, the turned wooden base applied with a silver shield engraved ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY FOR JOSEPH WIDGER PERPETUAL CHALLENGE TROPHY FOR BEST MEDIUM WEIGHT HUNTER BRED IN IRELAND PRESENTED BY MRS. JOSEPH WIDGER, AUGUST 1924.
William Comyns & Sons (London, UK)
1924
RDS_treasures_C62_Comyns & Sons_Joseph Widger trophy.jpg
Landscape painting, Belgian
Pastoral landscape at sunset. Positioned centre, a shepherd girl carrying a faggot in her proper left hand converses with a herdsman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and carrying a staff in his proper left hand while driving cattle and sheep on a hillock surmounted by two trees; to right at middle distance, a landscape with more trees and sheep; to left at far distance, a low-lying, bucolic landscape; the entire scene set against a vast, clear-blue sky tinged with pink-orange tones on the horizon; signed and dated lower right Edmond Tschaggeny p. 1854.
Tschaggeny, Edmond Jean Baptiste, 1818-1873
1854
RDS_treasures_115_Tschaggeny_Herding Stock.jpg
Genre painting--19th century
Genre painting of a blind beggarwoman and a child. To centre right, a beggarwoman seated on a low, stone wall, directed front, head slightly inclined to proper left, hands in her lap, wearing a brown skirt with red underskirt and a worn linen apron, buff-coloured linen chemise, green-black coloured hooded cloak tied at the neck, plain cloth headcap, worn loafer-style shoes; to centre left, a child stands barefoot, directed and gazing front, lightly holding the proper right forearm of the beggarwoman with her proper left hand, in her proper right hand, a partially-glazed, brown earthenware pitcher, wearing a brown skirt with dark green underskirt, drab apron and shawl. In left background, a stone wall surmounted by a wood fence; in centre background, a large, leafy tree; in right background, several abandoned cottages; in the distance, a hill beneath a grey-clouded sky. Unsigned. George Grattan was a pupil of the Royal Dublin Society Drawing School.
Grattan, George, 1787-1819
1807
RDS_treasures_118_Grattan_Blind Beggar.jpg
Still life with a dead hare suspended by its right hind leg, its head resting on a stone ledge; to left of the composition, an (unidentified) object on the ledge; set against a non-descript, dark background; unsigned.
Collins, Charles, c.1640-1744
c.1735
RDS_treasures_139_Collins_Hare framed.jpg
Seascape, with two two-mast sailboats in a stormy sea; positioned centre, the near boat, with mainsail lowered and headsail raised, tows a lifeboat and holds seven crew, one at the tiller and six attending to the rigging; positioned behind to right, the second boat, with both sails raised, holds at least three crew, one at the bow waving towards the harbour wall in the right background; debris floats on the rough sea and birds skim the waves and circle the aft mast of the near boat.
Hildebrandt, Eduard, 1818-1869
RDS_treasures_141_Hildebrandt_Pecheurs d'Hastings.jpg
Painting, Dutch--17th century
Still life with four dead gamebirds. A grey partridge hangs by its proper right leg above a falconry perch, from which a rufter hood hangs, and a fringed cloth is draped over the edge; above the partridge a small, short-beaked gamebird hangs by its neck; to the left of the composition, a small, long-beaked bird lies on the bell of a hunting horn and a small, short-beaked bird lies on a game bag; behind the falconry perch are (what appear to be) a hawking cage and a spring box cage propped against a wall; the entire arrangement set against a dark, non-descript interior.
Vonck, Elías, 1605-1652
1640
RDS_treasures_143_Vonck_Still life with gamebirds.jpg
Landscape painting, Irish--18th century
Ashford, William, approximately 1746-1824
1780
RDS_treasures_121_Ashford_Landscape with castle.jpg
History painting, French
The subject depicted full length, directed to proper right, seated by a river and looking at his reflection, with a cherub to his proper right and two more in the sky above, set in a landscape.
Boucher, François, Follower of, 1703-1770
1750
RDS_treasures_144_Boucher follower_Narcissus.jpg
De Trafford, Humphrey F. (Humphrey Francis), Sir, 1862-1929
Depicts Sir Humphrey and his trainers in a paddock with ten of his hunters, all prize winners at the Horse Shows of 1902 and 1903. Signed and dated lower right.: H.F. Lucas 1904
Lucas, Henry Frederick Lucas, 1848-1943
1904
RDS_treasures_186_Lucas_de Trafford's horses.jpg
An Italianate landscape, with two figures by a weir in the foreground, one seated, the other, a Roman solider, standing and holding a spear and gesticulating to a third figure seated on an outcrop above; a natural rock arch spans the canvas from the top left corner to the middle right edge; in the middle ground is a castle, behind which are rugged mountains extending into the background; indistinctly signed lower right.
Hagen, Willem van der, 1675-1745
1730
RDS_treasures_31_van der Hagen_Landscape with natural rock arch.jpg
RDS_treasures_31_van der Hagen_Landscape with natural rock arch framed.jpg
Landscape painting, Italian--18th century
An Italianate landscape depicting a man sleeping on rocks beside a river, observed at his proper left side by a figure holding a staff; to his proper right, a horse grazes; set in a landscape with a Roman Temple.
Bloeman (Orizzonte), Jan Franz van, 1662-1749
1735
RDS_treasures_93_Orizzonte_Italianate landscape.jpg
Vignettes of people and events at the Dublin Horse Show.
Whitmore, Olive
1933
RDS_treasures_68_Whitmore_DHS vignettes.jpg
Blaeu, Willem Janszoon, 1571-1638
1634
RDS_treasures_98_Blaeu_Map of Ireland R.jpg
Sculpture, Neoclassical
Modelled as a seated discus thrower, resting on a cloak, with a title plaque inscribed DISCOBOLUS M. KESSELS ROME 1826 THE BEQUEST OF MRS ANNE D RUTLAND 1856.
Kessels, Mathieu, 1784-1836
1826
Sculpture, British--19th century
The subjects modelled partially draped, reclining on rocks, surmounted by bunches of grapes and vine leaves, the figure of Ino with outstretched proper left arm dangling a bunch of grapes (lost) above the head of Bacchus, the infant reaching upwards with both arms, signed J H Foley Sculptor London 1840, and the base inscribed Ino and Bacchus, with two applied labels numbered 189.
Foley, John Henry, 1818-1874
1840
RDS_treasures_289_Foley_Ino & Bacchus.jpg
Manockjee Nesserwanjee, a Parsee Merchant
The subject modelled as a gentleman standing, wearing a turban and robes, his arms loosely crossed across his body holding a scroll in his proper right hand.
Sculpture, Italian
Eve (Biblical figure)
A figure of Eve, The subject modelled as a nude female holding an uneaten apple in her proper right hand, long hair draped over her back, seated on a rocky floral-encrusted plinth carved with a serpent, signed G M Benzoni Roma 1859.
Benzoni, Giovanni Marie, 1809-1873
1859
The subject modelled standing, wearing classical robes, hair in a chignon, holding wheatsheaves and fruit in her proper left hand, on an oval marble base.
1850
Minerva
The subject modelled wearing a chiton, holding the excess folds of the fabric in her left hand, a staff in her proper right hand, her hair tied with a band in a chignon.
1855
The subject modelled head cast down to proper right, her proper right arm reaching for an arrow from a quiver carried on proper left shoulder, her proper left arm by her side.
1860
The subject modelled partially seated, head cast downwards, reading a book.
MacDowell, Patrick, 1799–1870
RDS_treasures_326_MacDowell_Girl reading.jpg
Ceramics
Mythology
A semi-abstract representation of Donn Cúailgne (The Brown Bull of Cooley) from the mythological Irish epic An Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley). The tale was written in the 12th century and set in the pre-Christian 1st century,
Keeney, Christy
2008
Stuart, Francis, 1902-2000
Sculpture, Irish--20th century
Portrait bust of Henry Francis Montgomery Stuart, Irish novelist.
FitzGibbon, Marjorie Steele, 1930-2018
1970
RDS_treasures_283_FitzGibbon_Francis Stuart.jpg
Register and minute book of the Dublin Society (1731-1733)
18th century
History
Industries
Manuscripts
The digital reproduction of the manuscript register and book of minutes of the Dublin Society, for the years 1731 to 1733.
RDS Library & Archives
Register and minute book of the Dublin Society: for the years, 1731 to 1733
Manuscript
Register and minute book of the Dublin Society (1733-1741)
The digital reproduction of the manuscript register and book of minutes of the Dublin Society, for the years 1733 to 1741.
Fair minute book and register of the Dublin Society: for the years, 1733-1741
Dublin Society Council minute book (1741-1746)
The digital reproduction of the manuscript book of minutes of the Dublin Society, for the years 1741 to 1746.
Fair minute book and proceedings of the Dublin Society from 19th November 1741 - 10th July 1746
Dublin Society Council minute book (1750-1757)
The digital reproduction of the manuscript book of minutes of the Dublin Society, for the years 1750 to 1757.
Minute book of the Dublin Society: from May 3rd 1750 to 24th November 1757
Dublin Society Council minute book (1752-1755)
The digital reproduction of the manuscript book of minutes of the Dublin Society, for the years 1752 to 1755.
Minute book of the Dublin Society: from 1752-1755
Dublin Society Council minute book (1758-1761)
The digital reproduction of the manuscript book of minutes of the Dublin Society, for the years 1758 to 1761.
Dublin Society's rough minute book, 1758, 1759, 1760, 1761.
Register and letter book of the Dublin Society (1731-1736)
The digital reproduction of the manuscript register and book of letters of the Dublin Society, for the years 1731 to 1736.
The treasurer's book of the Dublin Society (1731 to 1739)
The digital reproduction of the manuscript treasurer's book of the Dublin Society, for the years 1731 to 1739.
The petitions book of the Dublin Society: for the years 1761 to 1762
The digital reproduction of the manuscript petitions book of the Dublin Society, for the years 1761 to 1762.
RDS Library & Archive
Proceedings of the Dublin Society on the several petitions of sundry manufacturers and others and the dispostion of the sum of ten thousand pounds, committed to their determination, by order of the Right Honble & Honble the Knights Citizens and Burgesses in parliament assembled, session 1761 & 1762.
15th century
Theology
Humanism
Renaissance
The RDS digital reproduction of Divinarum institutionum libri septem by L. Caelius Firmianus Lactantius, in a Renaissance manuscript written in Florence, Italy, circa. 1430. The seven books of the Diuinae institutiones, are the most important work by Lactantius, Christian author and advisor to Roman emperor, Constantine the Great. They are an apologetic treatise that includes a defense of Christianity and a criticism of pagan religion, philosophy and morals. In this Renaissance manuscript, each of the seven books has a sectional title in red script followed by an illuminated initial. The seven illuminated initials feature hues of gold, blue, yellow, green and brown, interwoven with illustrations of white vine. The text is in Latin, with some interlinear Greek translation. It is speculated that the book was inscribed by Niccolò Niccoli and another unknown scribe.
Lucius Caelius Firmianus Lactantius
Approx. 1430
Divinarum institutionum libri septem / L. Caelius Firmianus Lactantius.
Truth Be Told: According to the Archives
RDS Art Collection
National Heritage Week 2023 Exhibition Video
2023
Horse Show Heroes: A History of Show Jumping at the Dublin Horse Show
Horse Show Heroes: A History of Show Jumping at The Dublin Horse Show From the introduction of some the world’s earliest jumping courses to its continuing support of riders and breeders the Dublin Horse Show has been instrumental in the development of show jumping on a national and international level. This exhibition, drawn from material in the RDS Library & Archives, explores the history of show jumping at Dublin, along with some of the notable competitors who have taken part in the Show over its long and illustrious history.
Exhibition
Dublin Horse Show 2023 Exhibition Thumbnail
Royal Dublin Society. Horse Show
The first winners of the Dublin Horse Show 'lepping' competition in 1868.
1868
Still image
The Galway Blazers at the Inter-Hunt Competition at Dublin in 1927.
1927
Comdt. Ged O’Dwyer on Limerick Lace, for Ireland, winners of the International Jumping Competition in Dublin, 1934.
1934
Diana Conolly-Carew on Barrymore, The International Grand Prix of Ireland winners for Ireland, Dublin, 1966.
1966
Comdt. John Ledingham on Kilbaha, winner of The Nations Cup at Dublin in 1997.
1997
Conor Swail on Count Me In with Aga Khan trophy
Conor Swail on Count Me In, winners of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Ireland, holding the Aga Khan trophy at Dublin in 2022.
2022
Landscape painting
An extensive mountainous and wooded landscape, with soldiers bearing away the spoils.
Huchtenburg, Jan van, 1647-1733
Ca.1730
RDS_treasures_2_Huchtenberg_Victorious soldiers.jpg
RDS_treasures_2_Huchtenberg_Victorious soldiers framed.jpg
An extensive mountainous and wooded landscape, with soldiers leaving a burning town.
RDS_treasures_4_Huchtenberg_Burning hamlet.jpg
RDS_treasures_4_Huchtenberg_Burning hamlet framed.jpg
History painting
St. Paul depicted to the right of the composition, wearing a green robe and red mantle, standing on a low plinth, right arm extended, preaching in a temple with a landscape beyond; behind him a group of six figures, one seated; to the right of the composition are another group of figures, one wearing a dark blue robe, his right arm outstretched towards St. Paul and being clutched by a child; another child crawls on the ground in front of St. Paul; in the background is another group of seated figures.
De la Hyre, Laurent, 1606-1656
Ca.1650
RDS_treasures_6_De La Hyre_St Paul Preaching.jpg
RDS_treasures_6_De La Hyre_St Paul Preaching framed.jpg
The Angel Releasing Saint Peter from Prison
Depicts a winged angel, wearing a white robe, to the right of the composition, his head cast downwards to St. Peter, who wears a blue robe and yellow mantle, and is crawling in the lower centre of the composition; two other figures look on, one in the lower left corner and another in the middle ground behind St. Peter.
Cuyp, Benjamin Gerritsz, 1612-1652
Ca.1640
RDS_treasures_9_Cuyp_Angel and St Peter.jpg
RDS_treasures_9_Cuyp_Angel and St Peter framed.jpg
Depicts Jacob sleeping in a woodland in the lower right foregound, with angels in the background.
Jordaens, Jacob, 1593-1678
RDS_treasures_122_Jordaens_Jacob's Dream.jpg
RDS_treasures_122_Jordaens_Jacob's Dream framed.jpg
Portrait of Elizabeth Wriothesley, Countess of Northumberland
Portrait painting, Irish--18th century
The subject depicted three-quarter length, standing, directed right, face in three-quarter profile, wearing an orange dress, white chemise and blue wrap, in a landscape.
Lely, Peter, 1618-1680
Ca.1660
RDS_treasures_140_Lely_Wriothesley framed.jpg
Still life painting
RDS_treasures_142_Vonck_Dead game framed 1.jpg
Portrait painting, Dutch
Depicts a gentleman bust leangth, wearing a black doublet and a white ruff.
Ravesteyn, Jan van, approximately 1572-1657
RDS_treasures_187_Ravesteyn_Gentleman with ruff.jog
RDS_treasures_187_Ravesteyn_Gentleman with ruff framed.jpg
Decorative painting
Painting en griseille, depicting Ceres and Triptolemus (Science and Agriculture).
De Gree, Peter, d.1789
1787
RDS_treasures_160_Gree_Science and agriculture.jpg
Portrait of Mrs. Margaret ‘Peg’ Woffington
Woffington, Margaret, -1760
The subject depicted in bust length, facing right with head inclined to front, wearing a lace-trimmed blue coat and hat, a landscape beyond, within a painted oval.
Lewis, John, fl.1750-1757
Ca.1750
RDS_treasures_27_Lewis_Woffington framed.jpg
Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland)
Topographical drawing
A view of the Giant’s Causeway from a westerly direction.
Vivarès, François, 1709-1780
Drury, Susannah, 1698-1770
1743
RDS_treasures_197_Drury_Causeway west.jpg
RDS_treasures_197_Drury_Causeway west framed.jpg
Sculpture, European
Moritz Geiss, after a model by August Karl Eduard Kiss. Modelled as a female warrior astride a horse being attacked by a panther, inscribed M. GEISS BERLIN, the base with inscription plaque AMAZON / AFTER KISS.
Geiss, Moritz, 1805-1875
Kiss, August, 1802-1865
After 1842
Scott, Walter (Writer)
A tabletop sculpture after John Greenshield's public monument to Sir Walter Scott in George Square, Edinburgh (1834-8, completed after Greenshield's death in 1835 by John Ritchie and William Mossman I). The subject modelled seated on a chair with crossed legs, holding a cane in his right hand.
Greenshields, John, 1795-1835
RDS_treasures_255_Greenshields_Scott 2.jpg
RDS_treasures_255_Greenshields_Scott 4.jpg
Van Dyck, Anthony, 1599-1641
A tabletop statuette after John Michael Rysbrack's statue of Sir Anthony van Dyck. The subject modelled as the artist standing with an artist’s palette and brushes leaning against a draped pillar.
Rysbrack, John Michael, 1694-1770
RDS_treasures_258_Rysbrack_Van Dyck 2.jpg
RDS_treasures_258_Rysbrack_Van Dyck 3.jpg
Goldsmith, Oliver, 1730?-1774
The subject modelled standing, wearing a coat, waistcoat & scarf, head cast down, holding an open book in his left hand. The base inscribed Goldsmith and with further inscription J H Foley RA SC London 1860.
After an Ancient Roman marble copy of a lost Greek statue in bronze thought to have been commissioned sometime between 230 and 220 BC by King Attalus I of Pergamon. It portrays a Gallic warrior in his last moments, as he struggles from a fatal wound, his face contorted in pain. Modelled as a naked man with a Celtic torc around his neck, on the ground atop his shield, wounded and supporting himself with one arm, the other resting weakly on his bent leg. The hand on the ground is next to a broken sword and his head is bent downwards. He is bleeding from a chest wound on the left side of the rib cage.
19th century
The subject modelled as a young man, wearing a floral crown, head cast down, both arms truncated at the shoulder, both legs truncated below the knee, inscribed R B O’Brien SC 1934
Ganly, Brigid
The subject modelled as a young girl, a blanket wrapped around her, standing beside a tree stump, signed and dated J H Foley Sculp London 1842.
1842
Pangnirtung (Inuit community)
Sculpture, Canadian
A carved head of a walrus, the head of soapstone, the tusks of scrimshaw.
Pangnirtung Co-operative
1977
Hutton, Mary A. (Mary Ann), 1862-1953
The subject modelled as a young woman, hair tied back in a bun, wearing a dress, the reverse inscribed and dated 1903.
Shaw, Kathleen Trousdell, 1865-1958
1903
Joly, John, 1857-1933
Portrait bust of John Joly, geologist. Signed OLIVER SHEPPARD RHA 1930 and entitled JOHN JOLY.
Sheppard, Oliver, 1865-1941
1930
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus, 1756-1791
Portrait Painting, Irish--20th century
The subject depicted seated at his harpsichord, wearing a red suit, signed and dated l.l. Micheal O Nuallain 99.
Ó Nualláin, Micháel
Donnelly, Dervilla
The subject depicted half length, directed slightly to the left, her face in frontal profile, seated in a chair, wearing a blue jacket, signed l.r. D Hone.
Hone, David, 1929-2023
1996
Thomas Kane McClintock Bunbury, 2nd Baron Rathdonnell
McClintock-Bunbury, Thomas Kane, 1848-1929
Thomas Kane McClintock Bunbury, 2nd Baron Rathdonnell (1848-1929), Anglo-Irish peer, British Army officer and politician, President of the Society (1913-29), Vice President of the Society (1902-13). The subject depicted three-quarter length, in three-quarter right profile, seated in a brown leather armchair next to which are a red-bound book and papers on a low table; against a ochre coloured, non-descript background; holding a folded newspaper in his left hand, wearing a dark three-piece suit, a gold watch chain extending across his waistcoat; signed and dated l.r. Oswald Birley 1922.
Birley, Oswald, 1880-1952
1922
Bust after Francis Bacon’s ‘Three Studies for a Self-portrait (1972)’
Bacon, Francis, 1909-1992
Portrait sculpture, Irish-21st century
The subject modelled after Bacon’s self-portrait triptych which he made in 1972.
Swan, Eleanor, b.1959
2010
Woodturning
A balloon-shaped vessel of ebonised oak, the neck with a double rim.
Flynn, Liam, 1969-2017
Musical instruments
Semi-abstract sculpture of two cellos standing back-to-back.
Pálfy, Miklós A.
20th century
Leinster House (Dublin, Ireland)
Sketch of the facade of Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin, with a partial view of the rotundas of the National Library and the National Museum. Inscribed verso: Presented to M.E. Dockrell T.D. by his constituency Feb. 1975.
Martin, Liam C., 1934-
1973
RDS_treasures_573_Martin_Leinster House.jpg
The RDS Assistant Secretary’s Coffee Pot
A George III, baluster-shaped coffee pot, with scrolled spout and handle fretted with scrolling acanthus leaves, beading, the hinged domed top with plain knop finial, the spreading circular foot, gadrooned border engraved with an armorial, the base inscribed The gift of the Silk Mercers of the City of Dublin to the Revd Peter Chaigneau Assistant Secretary Dublin Society 1768 in an ebonised glazed tabletop display cabinet with silvered presentation inscription plaque.
Sheffield Silver Company
1768
RDS_treasures_448_Sheffield Silver Co_Cofffee Pot 1.jpg
Medals
An oval form gold medal with silver and gold suspension loop from which are a burgandy-coloured ribbon with three bars and a pin, the obverse with Minerva seated left with head turned towards right, with cornucopia with fruits in right hand, lower arm resting on shield with ornamental harp, with motto NOSTRI PLENA LABORIS, the reverse engraved To Mrs. Catherine Walker From The Dublin Society For Her Culture of Saffron 1766.
1766
RDS_treasures_458_Unknown_Saffron medal obverse.jpg
RDS_treasures_458_Unknown_Saffron medal reverse.jpg