Lot 83: Jeremiah Hodges Mulcahy RHA (fl. c.1830-1889) A

Jeremiah Hodges Mulcahy RHA (fl. c.1830-1889) A CLASSICAL LANDSCAPE COMPOSITION with old printed label containing artist's name and title on reverse oil on canvas; within what appears to be its original 19th century gilt gesso frame 64 by 77cm., 25 by 30.25in. The manner in which A Classical Landscape Composition has been painted corresponds with Mulcahy's bluish tone, his particularly 18th century depiction of the landscape and trees and the very polished nature of his finished canvases. Here, like in many other works by Mulcahy, he has reused a standardised interpretation of the bark of the principal tree and a feathered technique to interpret the leaves featured. Mulcahy was a master of country scenes; its houses, light and surrounding wildlife. Other examples of his works include Curragh Chase House, Co. Limerick (1834, National Gallery of Ireland) and two views of Glin Castle with the Shannon Estuary (1839, 1843, Glin Castle). This work with the temples to the left and archetypal Italian bridge demonstrates the influence of the idyllic canvases of Claude Lorrain (c.1600-1682) in its recollection of the golden age of the classics. The figures, while finely drawn, are inconsequential within the immense vegetation and the plentiful livestock. In this respect, the work is similar to another Claudean style work by the artist, Ideal Landscape View with Classical Temple, formerly in the Richard Wood Collection, Fota House, now housed in the collection of Limerick University. Unfortunately, neither a biography nor Mulcahy's early years in Limerick have been researched. What is known is that he began a painting school in the city in 1842 and later exhibited in the RHA from 1843-78. In 1875 Mulcahy was elected an ARHA. We are grateful to Dr Adrian Le Harivel for his assistance in cataloguing this work.