Tánaiste unveils significant acquisition at Crawford Art Gallery

A historic new acquisition bought for the National Collection by Crawford Art Gallery was today officially unveiled by Tánaiste Micheál Martin.

The Window was painted by Seán Keating in 1924 and it has been acquired by Crawford Art Gallery at auction from a private seller with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Speaking at the official unveiling, Mr Martin said the addition of the work to the Crawford collection is timely.

“I am honoured to preside over the unveiling of The Window by iconic Irish artist Seán Keating, who has been pivotal in capturing the difficult journey taken to achieve the Irish State.

“This painting was first shown in 1924 at the Aonach Tailteann - the sporting and cultural festival held to showcase the strengths of a new nation drawing on its proud history, culture and traditions.

“So, as we approach the end of the Decade of Centenaries, it is fitting that the Crawford Art Gallery can put this wonderful artwork on public display,” he said.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, whose department provided financial assistance for the acquisition of The Window, said she expects the piece will “quickly win the hearts and minds of visitors to the Gallery”.

“I would strongly encourage people to visit and enjoy this beautiful and very personal work by Keating,” she added.

Keating (1889 –1977), is best known for his depictions of the Irish War of Independence and Civil War, including Men of the South and An Allegory.

Though painted the same year, The Window marks a departure from these political subjects: it is a gentle and affectionate depiction of his wife, May, seated at a window reading.

Chair of Crawford Art Gallery, Rose McHugh, thanked Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for their support in enabling the gallery to purchase the painting.

Meanwhile, director of the Crawford Art Gallery, Mary McCarthy, said The Window “adds a new dimension to the Seán Keating collection at Crawford”.

“We look forward to seeing it on public display and to seeing our audience engage with it,” she continued.

The Window will go on display to visitors of the Crawford Art Gallery from Monday.