For the first time in Ireland, 25 recently discovered landscape drawings by English artist Thomas Gainsborough go on display in ‘Young Gainsborough: Rediscovered Landscape Drawings’. The exhibition has been organised in collaboration with Royal Collection Trust, York Museums Trust, National Gallery of Ireland, and Nottingham Castle.
Produced in the late 1740s, when Gainsborough was in his early 20s, the drawings offer an intimate glimpse into the early career of the influential landscape artist. They will be presented alongside paintings and works on paper borrowed from collections across the UK and Ireland, including the recently conserved masterpiece ‘Cornard Wood’ (1748) from The National Gallery, London.
These drawings were originally thought to be by Edwin Landseer. Queen Victoria purchased the 25 drawings in 1874 from Sir Edwin Landseer‘s (1802–1873) studio after his death.
It was only recently that Thomas Gainsborough was confirmed as being the artist behind the drawings. Experience the brilliance of Gainsborough’s close attention to every detail in nature at this free exhibition, which ends on 12 June 2022. Curator Anne Hodge introduces the exhibition in this video below, and shares why it offers visitors a unique opportunity.
Until 12 June, 2022 at National Gallery of Ireland Print Gallery. Admission is free – no booking required.