Portrait painting, Dutch
Royal Dublin Society
The unidentified subject depicted half length, directed left, gazing front, wearing a gold-embroidered black bodice with, white linen, flat-falling collar with a plain, square edge, over a whitework linen piccadill with bobbin lace edging and a gold hair jewel of flower form on the proper left side of her crown; set against a dark-coloured background; unsigned.
Ravesteyn, Jan van, approximately 1572-1657
1625
Copyright RDS Library & Archives. Publication, transmission or display is prohibited without formal written approval of the RDS Library & Archives.
RDS_treasures_11_Ravesteyn_Lady with Piccadill.jpeg
World maps--Early works to 1800
Ireland
Blaeu, Willem Janszoon, 1571-1638
1634
RDS_treasures_98_Blaeu_Map of Ireland R.jpg
Still life painting
Vonck, Elías, 1605-1652
RDS_treasures_142_Vonck_Dead game framed 1.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.
1640
RDS_treasures_143_Vonck_Still life with gamebirds.jpg
The Angel Releasing Saint Peter from Prison
History painting
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
A bearded and bespectacled St. Mark seated in a dimly lit studio, clothed in white chemise and dark robes, sharpening a calamus, the lion lying at his feet, and a large leather-bound tome on a table to the left.
Coninck, Solomon, 1609-
Ca.1645
RDS_treasures_124_Coninck_St Mark and the lion.jpg
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
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 painting, Flemish
The unidentified subject depicted bust length, directed right in three-quarter profile, gazing front, bearded and slightly smiling, wearing a black doublet embellished with black silk passmenterie and pinked to expose a red chemise beneath, and a white, pleated and goffered ruff, set against a black background; unsigned.
1650
RDS_treasures_10_Ravesteyn_gentleman smiling.jpg
Depicts a gentleman bust leangth, wearing a black doublet and a white ruff.
RDS_treasures_187_Ravesteyn_Gentleman with ruff.jog
RDS_treasures_187_Ravesteyn_Gentleman with ruff 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
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
RDS_treasures_102_Blome_Map of ireland.jpeg
Landscape painting, Irish--18th century
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
An extensive mountainous and wooded landscape, with soldiers leaving a burning town.
Huchtenburg, Jan van, 1647-1733
Ca.1730
RDS_treasures_4_Huchtenberg_Burning hamlet.jpg
RDS_treasures_4_Huchtenberg_Burning hamlet framed.jpg
An extensive mountainous and wooded landscape, with soldiers bearing away the spoils.
RDS_treasures_2_Huchtenberg_Victorious soldiers.jpg
RDS_treasures_2_Huchtenberg_Victorious soldiers 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
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
Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland)
Topographical drawing
A view of the basalt columns caused by a volcanic eruption, known as the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim, Ireland. To the left, the interlocking columns descend from a cliff to the water. In the centre is a block of high columns and to the right, smaller columns extend into the water. There are various groups of people: in the left foreground, two gentlemen examine the rocks; in the centre foreground, two gentlemen and two women engage in conversation, across the water from them, three more figures examine the rocks; in the left middle ground, two solitary figures climb a pathway; in the centre middle ground is a group of seven figures sitting on the rocks with a figure some distance away to their left, and another solitary figure climbing the rocks to their right; in the centre right background, two figures are standing on the rocks, with a group of three gentlemen to their right, one holding a pole or rod. In the distant background is rocky landscape, with two sailboats visible on the horizon to the right. The inscription in the cartouche attached to the frame reads 'The Drawings from which these Prints were Engraved, obtained in the year 1741, the first premium awarded by the Society, in the department of The Fine Arts'. Engraving by François Vivarès after Susanna Drury.
Vivarès, François, 1709-1780
Drury, Susanna, 1698-1770
1743
RDS_treasures_198_Drury_Causeway east.jpg
A view of the Giant’s Causeway from a westerly direction.
Drury, Susannah, 1698-1770
RDS_treasures_197_Drury_Causeway west.jpg
RDS_treasures_197_Drury_Causeway west framed.jpg
Van Dyck, Anthony, 1599-1641
Sculpture, British--19th century
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
Capriccio landscape. In the right foreground, three figures fish from a rock beside a river, the two males standing and the female seated. Above them is a giant natural rock arch, partially covered by scrub. Trees frame the left of the composition, where a waterfall cascades. In the background, two figures work on the left bank and there are several buildings along the right bank, with distant mountains behind.
Barret, George, 1732-1784
1750
RDS_treasures_33_Barret_Anglers beneath a natural rock arch.jpg
The Charter of George II Giving the Society a Corporate Status Under Law. An original counterpart copy, 1750.
Unknown Artist
RDS_treasures_95_Maker unknown_1750 Charter.jpg
Landscape. On a wagon track in the foreground, a flock of sheep are driven to pasture by three shepherds, one mounted on a grey horse, one holding a leashed dog and one waving a staff. Scrub trees frame the composition, one on the left and two on the right. In the left middle ground, six cattle graze on a sloping meadow beneath a rocky precipice, at the top of which is the ruin of Beeston Castle, Cheshire. In the right middle ground, smoke rises from the chimney stack of a gated building. In the near distance are two groups of buildings; a farmhouse and church ruin to the left, and a temple-fronted ruin to the right. In the far distance are rolling hills.
RDS_treasures_34_Barret_Shepherding a flock to pasture.jpg
Capriccio landscape: In the foreground, two men travel alongside two loaded mules on a wooded pathway. Two other men follow them a short distance behind. In the middle ground, two figures walk in the opposite direction. In the background, the ruins of three buildings on a high rocky eminence. Leafy trees frame the composition to the left and right.
RDS_treasures_32_Barret_Travellers on a wooded pathway.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
RDS_treasures_144_Boucher follower_Narcissus.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
Sculpture
Portrait sculpture, Irish--18th century
Madden, Samuel, 1686-1765
Dublin Society
Portrait bust of the Reverend Samuel Madden D.D., one of the leading founders of the Dublin Society. The subject modelled with head inclined slightly to the right, wearing long wig, wearing clerical robes, bands and waistcoat, inscribed "Van Nost Ft." and the socle inscribed "Samuel Madden DD."
Van Nost, John, the younger, 1713-1780
1751
RDS_treasures_261_Van Nost_Samuel Madden.jpg
Stanhope, Philip Dormer, 1752-
Portrait bust of Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773), Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1745-46) and President of the RDS for the same period; the subject modelled to proper left, wearing classical robes; on a black marble socle of quadrangular, waisted form; inscribed recto Chesterfield.
1760
Prior, Thomas, 1681-1751
Portrait bust of Thomas Prior, leading founder and first Secretary of the Dublin Society. The subject modelled wearing classical robes, head inclined slightly to the right, inscribed J I van Nost Ft 1760 and the socle inscribed Thomas Prior.
RDS_treasures_259_Van Nost_Thomas Prior.jpg
Portrait sculpture, Irish -- 18th century
Maple, William, 1661/71?–1762
William Maple, 1661/71?–1762, chemist, was one of the founding members of the Dublin Society. The subject modelled wearing a coat, classical robes and a chaperon, his head turned slightly towards the left, signed and dated P Cunningham AD 1763, and the socle inscribed William Maple.
Cunningham, Patrick, d.1774
1763
RDS_treasures_271_Cunningham_William Maple.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
Royal Dublin Society. Drawing Schools
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
The RDS Assistant Secretary’s Coffee Pot
Silver
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
Idyllic landscape. In the foreground, two anglers converse on the rocky outcrop of a riverbank. In the middle ground, two shepherds tend a flock of sheep. A sheer rockface that sweeps down to the left bank is linked by a weir of large rocks to a wooded copse on the right bank. In the near distance is a group of buildings, possibly ruins. In the far background, rolling hills.
Ashford, William, approximately 1746-1824
1770
RDS_treasures_123_Ashford_anglers by a river.jpg
Astronomy
Although there are many variations between telescopes, they can be divided into two distinct categories − refracting and reflecting. Refracting telescopes use glass lenses to focus the incoming image. Reflecting telescopes use mirrors as the main element (though they also use lenses to focus images). This telescope made by John Alment is a reflecting telescope, with a figured (i.e. ground to give a suitable concave surface) and polished ‘primary’ metal mirror of diameter 64mm at the base of the main tube. The tube is pointed at the image to be viewed, and the primary mirror directs the image to a much smaller ‘secondary’ mirror situated centrally at the front end of the main tube. This in turn reflects the image through a hole in the middle of the primary mirror and through a lens to give an image at the eyepiece, the arrangement of lens and eyepiece occupying a tube of much smaller diameter projecting from the bottom of the main tube. This arrangement is usually called a ‘Cassegrain’ reflecting telescope, named after a Frenchman who proposed the arrangement in 1672 . A dark red glass filter can be screwed over the eyepiece so that very bright images (e.g. the sun) can be viewed without damage to the eye. The telescope is focused by a knurled knob at the eyepiece end of the instrument, which moves the position of the secondary mirror at the top of the tube. Looking down the main tube from the top: the circular metal ‘primary’ mirror, with a hole at its centre, is at the bottom of the tube, with the small ‘secondary’ mirror at the top. The position of the latter can be adjusted using the knurled knob at the bottom of the telescope. The main tube is secured by two butterfly nuts to a pivoted support on top of a turned brass pillar, with folding cabriole tripod legs at the bottom. Though really not much more than a toy, which, though, would be particularly suitable for viewing the moon, the ensemble makes for a most attractive instrument. It has a beautiful trade card of John Alment under the lid of its fitted oak case. The text on this trade card reads: John Alment Optician At ye sign of ye Spectacles in Marys Abbey Dublin Makes Optical, Philosophical & Mathematical Instruments Viz Spectracles, Concave Glass, Telescopes, Microscopes &c Reading & Opera Glasses Air Pumps, Electrical Machines, Barometers, Thermometers, With Variety of Drawing, Surveying INSTRUMENTS The trade card also has lovely instrument illustrations (anti-clockwise from top left): horizontal sun dial, universal ring dial, theodolite on tripod stand, spectacles, compound microscope, reflecting telescope (similar to the actual instrument in the case), four-draw refracting telescope; stick barometer (with two small unidentified instruments beside it), set of drawing instruments in shagreen case, and, in the centre, spectacles again. It is not possible to know with certainty if such instruments were actually made by the named instrument maker (the telescope itself is not signed), whether they were assembled from parts made by others, or whether they were simply retailed. This type and size of telescope is not uncommon, and the instruments can be signed by a variety of different makers. Mollan, C. (1997). Appendix. Most Recent Inventory of the RDS Scientific Instrument Collection.
Alment, John, 1740-1787
1780
RDS_treasures_121_Ashford_Landscape with castle.jpg
Daunt, George, 1712-1786
Mercer's Hospital
Portrait of Dr. George Daunt (1712-1786), surgeon to Mercer’s Hospital, Dublin. The subject depicted bust length, directed left, gazing front; wearing an orange-satin, negligé cap, a collarless and cutaway coat of brown brocade with blue lining and brown brocade buttons, a collarless, brown waistcoat, and a white stock with plain bands; set against a non-descript, grey-coloured background; unsigned. Alexander Pope was a student at the Royal Dublin Society Drawing Schools.
Pope, Alexander, 1763-1835
Portrait painting--18th century
Portrait painting, Irish
Bowes, John Bowes, Baron, 1690-1767
Posthumous portrait of John Bowes (1690-1767), Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland, later 1st Baron Bowes of Clonlyon, County Meath, and Lord High Chancellor of Ireland (1757-1767). The subject modelled bust length in proper right three-quarter profile, gazing front, wearing robes of office, with lace-edged bands and full-bottom wig. Alexander Pope was a pupil at the Royal Dublin Society Drawing Schools.
1783
Science
Chemistry
Kirwan, Richard, 1733-1812
"Unsigned - attributed to William or Samuel Parker. PyH 1110; HsDs 450 & 250. 1784-1803 (bought 1812). F. Kirwan’s; double; mahogany tripod foot, turned pillar and lens housings; latter on semi-circular iron bracket. The large and small lens housings are joined by eight mahogany bars, and the combination pivots from the sides of the top housing in the supporting bracket; there are two knurled knobs, one at each side of the pivot, which presumably clamped the lenses in position, but do not do so now. A plaque on instrument reads: “The Burning Glass of RICHARD KIRWAN 1735-1812. Purchased from his Executors by the Dublin Society Dec 1812”. The Report of the Committee of Science of the RDS for 1910-11 records as follows: “KIRWAN’S BURNING LENS. Some time ago the Committee learned that the Burning Lens, which once belonged to Richard Kirwan, and which the Dublin Society purchased shortly after his death, was in the Physical Laboratory of the Royal College of Science. Knowing that this interesting relic of one of the foremost scientific men of his time was of little use for teaching purposes, while it possessed great interest to the Society, the Committee recommended the Council to take steps to have it restored to the Society. Application was accordingly made to the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, and on February 2nd, 1910, a letter was received from the Department stating that arrangements had been made to hand over the Lens to the Society on permanent loan. It may be of interest to note that the first mention of the Lens in the Society’s records is an entry in a manuscript book, entitled ‘Laboratory Want Book’; between the dates November 11th and December 7th, 1812, there is an entry, ‘Burning Lens (Mr. Kirwan’s)’, and opposite this is written in pencil, ‘To be sold for 30 guineas’. The purchase of the Lens at this price was sanctioned at a meeting of the Society on December 10th, 1812 (Proceedings of the Dublin Society, vol. xiix., page 51). "It is hoped that the Society will treasure this memento of the founder of the Natural History Museum.” Smeaton 1987 has details of other Parker lenses; the Science Museum (postcard No. 606) has a similar glass." This description from Mollan, C. (1995). Irish National Inventory of Historic Scientific Instruments. Dublin: Samton Limited, p. 212.
Anonymus, active 1784-1803
1784
Parker, William [attributed]
RDS_treasures_0410.001_Parker_Burning glass.jpg
Ceiling of St Patrick's Hall, Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle (Dublin, Ireland)
History painting; a preparatory oil sketch depicting the proposed design for the ceiling of St. Patrick’s Hall at Dublin Castle; commissioned by George Nugent Temple Grenville, 1st Marquess of Buckingham; the works carried out at Dublin Castle by Vincenzo Waldré between 1788 and 1802. In the central panel, George III is flanked by Britannia and Justice on his right, Hibernia and Liberty on his left, and Victory (or Fortuna) and Minerva before him; the upper panel depicts St. Patrick lighting the Paschal fire on the Hill of Slane; the lower panel portrays Henry II receiving the submission of the Irish Chiefs; unsigned.
Valdrè, Vincenzo, 1740-1814
1787
RDS_art collection_1_Valdre_St Patrick's Hall.jpg
RDS_art collection_1_Valdre_St Patrick's Hall Henry II.jpg
RDS_art collection_1_Valdre_St Patrick's Hall George II.jpg
RDS_art collection_1_Valdre_St Patrick's Hall St Patrick.jpg
Decorative painting
Painting en griseille, depicting Ceres and Triptolemus (Science and Agriculture).
De Gree, Peter, d.1789
RDS_treasures_160_Gree_Science and agriculture.jpg
Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616
History painting; the subject, Cymbeline, Act II, Scene II, Iachimo emerging from the chest in Imogen’s bedchamber, by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Set in pre-Christian Roman England, the central plot of the play revolves around a wager by a husband on his wife’s fidelity. Iachimo depicted in left foreground, in right profile, climbing from a wooden chest in Imogen’s bedchamber, his gaze directed towards Imogen; wearing the garb of an ancient Roman citizen; in his left hand, a writing implement and blank paper. Imogen depicted in right foreground, supine and asleep on a bed; nude and partially covered by bedlinen; in the background, Imogen’s bedchamber filled with various objects, lit by the glow of a crescent moon through a single window; unsigned. James Barry was a pupil at the Royal Dublin Society Drawing Schools.
Barry, James, 1741-1806
1788
Portrait painting, Irish -- 18th century
Portrait of a gentleman named Mr. Bowden, the subject modelled facing to the front with his head in right profile, his face lightly resting in his left hand, wearing a white waistcoat and red banyan, against a dark background.
Cuming, William, 1769-1852
1790
Braughall, Thomas, 1729-1803
Portrait of Thomas Braughall (1729-1803), Irish wholesale merchant, Dublin, Honorary Secretary of the Royal Dublin Society (1792-1798). The subject depicted half length, seated in right profile; holding open – with both hands and close to his face – a red-bound volume; a quizzing glass hanging on a dark-coloured ribbon at his right side; wearing a black coat, a white stock and a white chemise with ruffles; set against a non-descript, dark-coloured background; unsigned. John Comerford was a pupil at the Royal Dublin Society Drawing Schools.
Comerford, John, -1832
1798
RDS_treasures_164_Comerford_Thomas Braughall.jpeg
Portrait painting, Irish -- 19th century
The subject depicted full length, directed slightly to the right, her head cast down and reading a book, reclining on a red sofa, wearing a blue gown. Thought to be the sister of Marianne Vigne, the artist's wife (m.1799). It may in fact be Marianne herself. Marianne was the daughter of the jeweller, James Vigne of 27 College Green, Dublin, and his wife, Elizabeth Eustace.
Chinnery, George, 1774-1852
1800
RDS_treasures_137_Chinnery_Miss Vigne.jpg
The Alpine Traveller, Portrait of Emily St. Clare
Portrait of Emily St. Clare, British stage-actress and long-term paramour of Sir John Fleming Leicester, 1st Baron de Tabley (1762-1827), politician and patron of the arts. The subject depicted full length, side-saddle on a mule, in three-quarter profile, directed right, gazing front; wearing a white, Empire-waist gown with white sash, a green, cropped jacket with three-quarter length sleeve and ermine trim, a red cloak draped back from her shoulders, a brown, fur stole, elbow-length, buff-coloured gloves and a green gypsy-hat with green-ribbon chinstraps; the mule tacked with red bridle with a red pompom fixed to the crownpiece, a pendant-type horse brass and two red tassels hanging from the browband and two red tassels hanging from the nose band, a red, high-cantle saddle and red-fringed breast collar with three brass bells, and four shoes with turned-up toeclips; St. Clare’s right hand clutching her windswept hat onto her head, her left hand gripping the rear cantle of the saddle; to the left, a rearing, white dog with wolf collar; to the right, behind St. Clare, a male mountain guide leading a panniered mule up a steep incline; set in a rocky landscape against a pink-hued, clouded sky; signed Jas. Northcote Picx 1802 on the breast collar the panniered mule.
Northcote, James, 1746-1831
RDS_treasures_26_Northcote_Alpine Traveller.jpeg
A Sow of the improved Leicestershire breed
Dublin Society. Drawing Schools
Pigs
Portrait of a sow. The subject modelled from side view and facing right. With the inscription, "A Sow of the improv'd Leicestershire breed. The Property of Geo. Grierson Esq. Rathfarnham House Co. Dublin."
Brocas, James Henry, approximately 1790-1846
1801
A Hogget Ram, the property of Richard Rothwell Esq.
Sheep
Portrait of a hegget ram. The subject modelled from side view and facing right. With the inscription, "A Hogget Ram the property of Richd. Rothwell Esq. c.2" lb Live wt.1.1.21". The original drawing by James Henry Brocas was commissioned by the Dublin Society for the "Statistical survey of the county of Meath: with observations on the means of improvement; drawn up for the consideration, and under the direction of the Dublin Society". Written by Robert Thompson of Oatland. Printed by Graisberry and Campbell, no. 10, Back-lane., 1802.
Brocas, Henry, 1762-1837
1802
Strawberry, the property of Henry Garnett
Cattle
Portrait of Strawberry, a longhorn cow. The subject modelled from side view and facing right. With the inscription, "In the possession of Hy. Garnett of Greenpark Co. of Meath." The original drawing by James Henry Brocas was commissioned by the Dublin Society for the "Statistical survey of the county of Meath: with observations on the means of improvement; drawn up for the consideration, and under the direction of the Dublin Society". Written by Robert Thompson of Oatland. Printed by Graisberry and Campbell, no. 10, Back-lane., 1802.
Myrtle, By a well bred son of Shakespear
Portrait of Myrtle, a longhorn cow. The subject modelled from side view and facing right. With the inscription, "By a well bred son of Shakespear out of a cow by a son of Washington's Dam alias Lady Washington." The original drawing by James Henry Brocas was commissioned by the Dublin Society for the "Statistical survey of the county of Meath: with observations on the means of improvement; drawn up for the consideration, and under the direction of the Dublin Society". Written by Robert Thompson of Oatland. Printed by Graisberry and Campbell, no. 10, Back-lane., 1802.
Brindle, in the possession of Henry Garnett
Portrait of Brindle, a longhorn cow. The subject modelled from side view and facing right. With the inscription, "In the possession of Hy. Garnett of Greenpark Co. of Meath." The original drawing by James Henry Brocas was commissioned by the Dublin Society for the "Statistical survey of the county of Meath: with observations on the means of improvement; drawn up for the consideration, and under the direction of the Dublin Society". Written by Robert Thompson of Oatland. Printed by Graisberry and Campbell, no. 10, Back-lane., 1802.
Blossom, the property of Henry Garnett, Esq.
Portrait of Blossom, a longhorn cow. The subject modelled from side view and facing left. With the inscription, "The Property of Hy. Garnett Esq. of Greenpark Co. of Meath". The original drawing by James Henry Brocas was commissioned by the Dublin Society for the "Statistical survey of the county of Meath: with observations on the means of improvement; drawn up for the consideration, and under the direction of the Dublin Society". Written by Robert Thompson of Oatland. Printed by Graisberry and Campbell, no. 10, Back-lane., 1802.
A Longhorn Cow, Bred by Richard Astley Esq.
Portrait of a longhorn cow. The subject modelled from side view and facing right. With the inscription, "Bred by Richd. Astley, Esq. Odstone Hall Leicestershire. Sold to Mr. Bates 1802" The original drawing by James Henry Brocas was commissioned by the Dublin Society for the "Statistical survey of the county of Meath: with observations on the means of improvement; drawn up for the consideration, and under the direction of the Dublin Society". Written by Robert Thompson of Oatland. Printed by Graisberry and Campbell, no. 10, Back-lane., 1802.
A Ewe, the Property of Richard Rothwell Esq.
Portrait of a ewe. The subject modelled from side view and facing left. With the inscription, "No. 1 A Ewe the property of Richard Rothwell Esq. c.210 lb Live wt.1.1.21" The original drawing by James Henry Brocas was commissioned by the Dublin Society for the "Statistical survey of the county of Meath: with observations on the means of improvement; drawn up for the consideration, and under the direction of the Dublin Society". Written by Robert Thompson of Oatland. Printed by Graisberry and Campbell, no. 10, Back-lane., 1802.
Richard Kirwan, Irish geologist and chemist. The subject depicted full length, frontal profile, seated next to a desk in a dark interior, holding a journal in his right hand, wearing a dark coat and breeches, a black top hat and brown cloak. in the foreground the leg and the reading desktop of a wood lectern.
Hamilton, Hugh Douglas, 1740-1808
1804
RDS_treasures_174_Hamilton_Richard Kirwan.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
Vallancey, Charles, 1721-1812
Portrait painting, Irish--19th century
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
Giesecke, Carl Ludwig, 1761-1833
Portrait painting, Scottish -- 19th century
Charles Giesecke, Professor of Mineralogy to the Dublin Society. The subject depicted bust length, directed right, his face in three-quarter profile, wearing a brown, tall-collard coat and a white cravat, against a dark background.
Raeburn, Henry, Sir, 1756-1823
1817
RDS_treasures_184_Raeburn_Charles Giesecke.jpg
Feinaigle, Gregor von, 1760-1819
Portrait sculpture
Sculpture, Irish -- 19th century
Gregory von Feinaigle, self-styled Professor of Mnemonics and founder of the Feinaiglian Institute at Aldborough House in Dublin city. The subject modelled wearing classical robes & collared shirt, his gaze directed slightly downwards and to the right, signed T Kirk Sculpt 1817, and signed again faintly T Kirk Fect, the socle inscribed Gregory von Feinaigle.
Kirk, Thomas, 1781-1845
RDS_treasures_268_Kirk_Gregor von Feinaigle.jpg
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
1820
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
RDS_treasures_116_Williams_Thomas Pleasants.jpeg
George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830
A statue of King George IV, the subject modelled wearing the robes of a Knight of the Order of St. Patrick, standing beside a column with books, signed and dated T Kirk fecit RHA 1824 Dublin. Thomas Kirk was commissioned by the linen merchants of Dublin to sculpt a statue of the King in marble, to honour his visit to the Dublin Linen Hall on 23 August, 1821. This is the smaller of two statues of George IV in the RDS Treasures Collection. It was completed in 1821 and presented to the Society by the Linen Hall Committee in 1849. It depicts George IV in the regalia of a Knight of St Patrick. During the King’s stay in Ireland, he visited the Society’s headquarters in Leinster House, on 24 August, 1821. He inspected the museum and the library, and a reception was held in his honour, housed in marquees on Leinster Lawn. A charge was made to visitors attending the reception and this produced a substantial cash surplus after meeting all expenses. The Society decided to apply the surplus to the procuring of a statue of the King for Leinster House. Presented to the Society by the Linen Merchants of Dublin Committee in 1849.
Kirk, Thomas, (1781-1845)
1824
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
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
Paget, Henry William, Marquis of Anglesey, 1768-1854
Portrait sculpture, British--19th century
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
1830
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
RDS_treasures_13_Catterson Smith_Lady with harp.jpeg
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
The subject modelled partially seated, head cast downwards, reading a book.
MacDowell, Patrick, 1799–1870
1840
RDS_treasures_326_MacDowell_Girl reading.jpg
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
RDS_treasures_289_Foley_Ino & Bacchus.jpg
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
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
Weld, Isaac, 1774-1856
Portrait of Isaac Weld (1774–1856), Irish topographer, explorer and artist, Vice-President of the Royal Dublin Society (1849-56), Honorary Secretary of the Royal Dublin Society (1828-49). The subject depicted three-quarter length, standing, directed and gazing front; wearing a black topcoat, a white shirt with standing collar points and black cravat; in his right hand a document (possibly his Statistical Survey of the Country of Roscommon, 1832, which was commissioned by the Royal Dublin Society); in the background, a draped, scarlet curtain; indistinctly signed and dated lower left Cregan. Martin Cregan was a pupil at the Royal Dublin Society Drawing Schools.
Cregan, Martin, 1788-1870
1843
RDS_art collection_175_Cregan_Isaac Weld.jpg
The campana-shaped body on a stem cast as three horses sheltering under a tree with a rockwork base, the sides robustly chased with flowers and foliage on a matted ground, with two leaf-cap scroll handles, engraved on one side with a coat-of-arms and on the other with the arms of the Royal Dublin Society, the integral base with a horse motif at each corner, chased on three sides with scenes of Dublin and on the fourth side with an inscription reading PRESENTED TO THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY BY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF PEMBROKE & MONTGOMERY TO ENCOURAGE THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE BREED OF HORSES IN IRELAND, and further engraved with other inscriptions. Robert Henry Herbert, 12th Earl of Pembroke and 9th Earl of Montgomery (1791-1862) was a British nobleman and peer, whose father George Augustus Herbert, 11th Earl of Pembroke, had inherited the Fitzwilliam estates in Dublin city from his father's 1st cousin, the 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam, in 1816.
Terrey, John Edward, d. 1859
1845
RDS_treasures_C64_Terrey & Co_Pembroke 1845 cup.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
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
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
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
1851
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
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
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 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
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
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.
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
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.
1863
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)
RDS_treasures_C67_Le Bas_Smith O'Brien cup.jpg
Blackburne, Francis, 1782-1867
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
Dublin Horse Show
With tapering cylindrical on a spreading base, the base chased with stiff leaves on a reeded ground and with a beaded border, and with a knopped flower and foliage stem, the body finely chased on one side with a scene of knights going into battle, and engraved on the other side with the inscription THE PEMBROKE CHALLENGE CUP PRESENTED TO THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY BY THE EARL OF PEMBROKE AND MONTGOMERY FOR THE BEST YOUNG HORSE SUITABLE FOR A HUNTER BRED IN IRELAND AND CONTINUOUSLY OWNED BY THE EXHIBITOR, the neck chased with figures within fruiting foliage and with two dragon handles, the detachable cover with a knight-in-armour finial, the neck further engraved with the inscription WON OUT BY OWEN RYAN 1925 – 26 – 27. Made by John Samuel Hunt & Robert Roskell, London (1843-97) Retailed by Edmond Johnson & Son, Dublin This cup was won outright by Mr. Owen Ryan in 1927 for the Champion Two or Three-Year-Old Yearling Filly. It was presented to the Royal Dublin Society in 1996 in memory of Mr. Ryan by his daughter, the late Ms. Sheila Ryan.
Hunt & Roskell (London, UK)
1866
Johnson, Edmond & Son (Dublin)
RDS_treasures_C145_Hunt & Roskell_1866 Pembroke challenge cup.jpg
The Charter of Victoria Creating an Executive Council. An original counterpart copy, 1866.
RDS_treasures_96_Maker unknown_1866 Charter.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
Crimean War, 1853-1856
Crimean War, 1853-1856--Campaigns
History painting depicting three infantrymen from the 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot – known as the Black Watch – during the Crimean War (1853-56). Positioned centre, an infantryman sits injured on the ground, directed left, his gaze directed at a second infantryman, his left leg bent at the knee, his right leg outstretched, his left hand on the ground, his right hand held by another infantryman. To the left, directed right, gazing down, the second infantryman bends over the injured infantryman, in his left hand he holds a musket mounted with a socket bayonet by the barrel, resting the butt on the ground, in his right hand he holds the right hand of the injured infantryman. To the right, a third infantryman stands with a musket in his hands, directed front, gazing right. The infantrymen wear the uniform of the 42nd Regiment of Foot including: caped greatcoat, dark green-and-blue tartan kilt, buff-coloured shoulder belts crossed over the chest, red stockings, buff-coloured gaiters and black bearskin cap with red hackle (the second infantryman wears a black, highland bonnet with red cockade). Each carries a buff-coloured rucksack on his back. In the foreground, the injured infantryman’s musket and bearskin cap lie on the snowy ground; in the background, indistinctly, an infantry marches past in column formation through a snow blizzard; signed and dated lower left Robert Gibb 1878.
Gibb, Robert, 1845-1932
1878
Portrait of Elisabeth, Empress of Austria, on Domino, an Irish Hunter
Elisabeth, Empress, consort of Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria, 1837-1898
Equestrian portraits, European
Princess Elisabeth (1837-1898), empress consort (1854-1898) of Franz Joseph, emperor of Austria (1848–1916) and king of Hungary (1867–1916), The subject depicted seated on an Irish hunter named Domino, in side-saddle; wearing a dark riding habit, white collar and cuffs and a black riding hat, holding a fan in her proper right hand, on a riding path in a landscape with trees to the right of the composition. Provenance: Presented to the Society by the Ward Union Hunt in 2012.
Richter, Edouard Frédéric Wilhelm, 1844-1913
1881
RDS_treasures_439_Richter_Elisabeth Empress of Austria.jpg
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
Stoney, George Johnstone, 1826-1911
Physics
George Johnstone Stoney, Irish Physicist, the subject depicted full length, directed forward, his 'cathedral'-style bearded face in frontal profile, seated at a table in an interior, wearing a dark suit and blue-trimmed academic robes, a watchchain in his waistcoat, the table covered with a tapestry on which are a book and inkwell, his left hand resting on some papers and a quill in his right hand, books at his feet, in the background a red velvet upholstered footstool and a door partially draped with a dark green curtain.
Jones, Thomas Alfred, Sir, 1823-1893
1883
RDS_treasures_178_Jones_George Stoney.jpg
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
Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland
The Charter of Queen Victoria, Merging The Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland with The Royal Dublin Society, an original counterpart copy, 1888.
Forster & Co. Lithography, Dublin
1888
RDS_treasures_97_Maker unknown_1888 Charter.jpg
The Croker Challenge Cup. First awarded at the Dublin Horse Show in 1888 for best Weight-carrying Thoroughbred Stallion. Inscribed "Presented by Edward Croker on his retirement from the Secretaryship for the best thoroughbred stallion"
Law & Son (Dublin, Ireland)
RDS_treasures_C38_Law & Son_Croker cup.jpg
A silver-gilt electroplate trophy cup. The tapering cylindrical on a spreading foot, the foot and lower body each chased with foliage, the rim chased with thistles, shamrocks and roses all on a textured ground with two angular scroll handles, each terminating in a cow’s mask, engraved on one side Royal Dublin Society Cattle Show Phoenix Challenge Cup presented by the Phoenix Oil Mill Company Ltd. Liverpool for the best breeding animal in the cattle classes of Kerries and Dexters, all on a wooden ebonised plinth contained in a fitted case, further engraved with various names and dates.
Elkington & Co. (Birmingham, UK)
RDS_treasures_C3_Elkington_Phoenix challenge cup.jpg
Hutton, Mary A. (Mary Ann), 1862-1953
Portrait of Dr. Mary Ann Hutton (1862-1953), Gaelic scholar and the first woman elected to the Royal Dublin Society Council in 1929. The subject depicted bust length, in three-quarter profile, directed right; wearing a fitted, light-brown coloured jacket with shawl lapel, white chemise and a gold chain around her neck, her fair hair in a hair bun; set against a non-descript, light brown-coloured background. Signed and dated lower right M R Rothwell 1889.
Rothwell, Marguerita Rosalie, (active 1881–1889)
1889
RDS_treasures_182_Rothwell_Mary Ann Hutton.jpg