Lot 185: AFTER JOSEPH HAVERTY RHA (1794-1864) The

AFTER JOSEPH HAVERTY RHA (1794-1864) The Triumphant Entry of George IV into Dublin. His Majesty's Arrival, His Majesty's Embarkation A pair of coloured aquatints by Robert Havell, each 39 x 60cm. These prints record the visit of George IV to Ireland in 1821, official business was overshadowed by the King's wish to visit Slane Castle. These are rare first state prints before the flags were re-engraved to fly at half mast for the death of Queen Caroline. This pair of aquatint prints by Robert Havell, are based on paintings by Joseph Haverty, a close friend of 'The Liberator', Daniel O'Connell. Haverty based his depictions on sketches made by John Lushington Reilly, whom Haverty has thoughtfully included in the embarkation scene. The figure of Reilly can be found in the central foreground sketching on horseback. The 18 day visit by George IV began on August 12th 1820, the Kings 59th birthday, and a mere three weeks after his coronation. The visit was arguably the first time a British monarch had visited the countr without an accompanying army, in the traditional sense at least. George IV's visit was universally greeted with rejoicing from the populace. One of the first to extend his warmest welcome was Daniel O'Connell, who saw the visit as welcome support in his endeavours to achieve Catholic Emancipation, although George only signed the bill reluctantly some eight years later. The King, whilst scheduled to arrive at Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire), instead arrived at Howth harbour in a mood befitting his birthday celebrations. The first print shows the King leading a procession of some two hundred carriages at the head of Sackville Street amidst a spectacular flurry of flags and pageantry. The Lord Mayor's Guard, who resembled 'Beefeaters', can be seen close to the carriage. The King spent the majority of his stay at the Vice Regal Lodge in the Phoenix Park, with the exception of a four day visit to his mistress, Elizabeth Lady Conyngham at Slane Castle. The visit was a resounding success - Daniel O'Connell even suggesting that a collection be taken up from every peasant in Ireland, to facilitate the building of a palace for the new King. The collection did not afford the building of a palace but it did facilitate the building of a new bridge crossing the Liffey at the present location of Heuston Station i.e. King's Bridge.