91
Rory Breslin (b.1963)
Estimate:
€8,000 - €12,000
Sold
€15,000
Live Auction
Important Irish Art - 26 November 2018
ARTIST
Rory Breslin (b.1963)
Size
35 by 16in. (88.9 by 40.6cm)
Description
Title: MASK OF THE SHANNON
Note: Lots 91 & 92 by Rory Breslin are the penultimate offering of first edition examples from his series on the river masks. The entire series of masks has been cast in an edition of 3 only. Positioned on the Northern entrance of the Custom House as part of the central group of three, theadaptation of Edward Smyth's Shannon presents a youthful visage, dignified though perhaps slightly pensive in terms of expression. The forehead, cheeks and beard of the Shannon are framed with oak leaves, acorns and the intertwining boughs of the oak. Classical cornucopias, 'horns of plenty', over-flowing with grains and fruit such as corn, plums, damsons and pine-cones rise on each side of the trident at the apex of the head. The speculation is that the trident represents Limerick's sovereignty over the estuary and/or Athlone's jurisdiction of the grain and fruits of the central plain. In John Payne's Universal Geography (1797), he describes the river as flowing through a fruitful and fertile land. The depiction of the emblems of the oak are believed to be a reference to Cratloe Woods in County Clare, an important relic of Irelands primeval forests. It is said that the beams for the roof of Westminster Hall were from these woods.
Note: Lots 91 & 92 by Rory Breslin are the penultimate offering of first edition examples from his series on the river masks. The entire series of masks has been cast in an edition of 3 only. Positioned on the Northern entrance of the Custom House as part of the central group of three, theadaptation of Edward Smyth's Shannon presents a youthful visage, dignified though perhaps slightly pensive in terms of expression. The forehead, cheeks and beard of the Shannon are framed with oak leaves, acorns and the intertwining boughs of the oak. Classical cornucopias, 'horns of plenty', over-flowing with grains and fruit such as corn, plums, damsons and pine-cones rise on each side of the trident at the apex of the head. The speculation is that the trident represents Limerick's sovereignty over the estuary and/or Athlone's jurisdiction of the grain and fruits of the central plain. In John Payne's Universal Geography (1797), he describes the river as flowing through a fruitful and fertile land. The depiction of the emblems of the oak are believed to be a reference to Cratloe Woods in County Clare, an important relic of Irelands primeval forests. It is said that the beams for the roof of Westminster Hall were from these woods.
Medium
bronze; (no. 1 from an edition of 3)
Signature
signed at top
Provenance
signed at top
