IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF IRELAND
Wouldn’t it be lovely to develop an eye for art and antiques, and learn to identify a painting or object’s style and age? If so, we have the ideal gift, one which has been designed to enable anyone – no matter their experience – to follow their creative passion …
The National Gallery of Ireland is launching three courses which take place during 2025: The Art of Antiques; the Meaning of Myths: Classical Stories in Western Art and For the love of Modernism: Ireland’s relationship with Modern Art from the 1920s to 1980s.
The beauty of these courses is that they can be undertaken online from the comfort of your own home and, as such, make great presents for friends and family abroad.
The first course for the New Year is The Art of Antiques, beginning on January 14. It’s perfect for an amateur collector, professional antiques investor or someone who wants to learn more about the collections in the National Gallery. This course will teach you what criteria to look for and perhaps inspire you to buy wisely.
Pendule, Hymne à la Vie, Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) and Richard Guino (1890-1973), National Gallery of Ireland
Led by Adrian Le Harivel, former Curator of British Art at the National Gallery of Ireland, who has organised many antiques trails of the Gallery’s collection. During the course, Le Harivel will explore examples of decorative arts over two centuries, including pieces from the Gallery’s Milltown Collection from Russborough House. There will be a special emphasis on Irish antiques and themes will give snapshots of different periods and artistry. Important makers and pointers of quality will all be examined.
The Art of Antiques course takes place online over successive Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 7.15pm, from January 14 to March 11. There’s no problem if you’re unavailable for a certain class – each session is recorded and is available for three weeks after the class ends. The course is ideal for those whose New Year’s resolution is to learn a new skill. It costs €150, with an early bird discount if booking all three courses together. In addition, there’s a 20 per cent discount for Friends of the Gallery, and 10 per cent discount for students, teachers and the over 65s. Tickets here.
During spring, Meaning of Myths: Classical Stories in Western Art is led by Dr Sarah Wilson, from March 25 to May 20. This course will examine some of the most enduring Classical myths in Western art, including Daedalus and his ill-fated son Icarus, the untouchable Danaë, and the terrifying yet intriguing figures of Medusa and Circe the Sorceress. Taking inspiration from key works in the National Gallery of Ireland, it will explore the diverse forms of mythic iconography from antiquity to the 20th century. century. Tickets here.
For autumn 2025, Jessica Fahy leads For the love of Modernism: Ireland’s relationship with Modern Art from the 1920s to 1980s, from October 7 to December 2. The course will examine the relationship between the Irish state and the advent of Modernism in the visual arts. This provides insight into the difficult adjustment and reluctance by the Irish state and art institutions to support Modernist artists. Tickets here.
It should be noted that there is a further 10 per cent discount available when all three courses are booked together.
Portrait of Mrs Congreve with her Children (1782), Philip Reinagle (1749-1833), National Gallery of Ireland
Past participants have all been enthusiastic about these extramural courses and their delivery. One reviewer says, “The course was both informative and accessible and the subject matter was very, very interesting. I find it a great privilege to have access to all the lecturers who have acquired such great knowledge on their subjects through a lot of hard work and study. I am very grateful for have that exposure to such a wealth of wisdom and academia which you all very generously share with us the general public.”
Another says, “All the speakers were really fluent and made it easy to understand the deeper meanings within the art itself and how the whole baroque period reflected the different outlooks in the European countries covered.”
With endorsements like these, we think you’ll agree giving the gift of knowledge this Christmas makes perfect sense.
Need to know: Visit the National Gallery of Ireland website to book your tickets, purchase as a gift or learn more about the course; www.nationalgalleryofireland.ie
