CAG.2213 Joseph Panzetta, Bust of James Barry, 1818, Coade stone, 52 x 28 x 23 cm. Presented, Friends of Crawford Art Gallery, 2005.

It’s artist James Barry’s 215^th anniversary, so we’ve dedicated this WORK OF THE WEEK to him!

The remarkable career of ‘great historical painter’ James Barry (1741-1806) took him from his native Cork to Dublin, Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, and finally London. His life in the British capital saw him become not only a member of the Royal Academy of Arts but also its professor of painting. In 1799, however, his outspoken views gained him the distinction of being the only academician to ever be expelled… until 2004, that is!

James Barry died in London on this day in 1806 and, on 4 March, he was interred next to his great rival, Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), in the crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral. A memorial was later erected there, featuring one of four busts of Barry modelled by Joseph Panzetta (fl.1789-1830) but based on a portrait by William Evans. Another of these busts has been in our collection since 2005.

Neoclassical in style, Bust of James Barry (1818) offers a frank likeness of its subject, with natural hair (rather than wig) and a simple draped garment. Interestingly, it is made in Coade stone, the hugely successful artificial stoneware pioneered in the late eighteenth century by Eleanor Coade (1733-1821), whose bicentenary occurs later this year.

Neoclassical in style, Bust of James Barry (1818) offers a frank likeness of its subject, with natural hair (rather than wig) and a simple draped garment. Interestingly, it is made in Coade stone, the hugely successful artificial stoneware pioneered in the late eighteenth century by Eleanor Coade (1733-1821), whose bicentenary occurs later this year.

Bust of James Barry (1818) is displayed in our Penrose Rooms (Floor 1) near works by Barry’s teacher John Butts and contemporary Nathaniel Grogan.

Order the book James Barry (1741-1806): ‘The Great Historical Painter’ now and get free delivery in Ireland or 50% off international delivery! Shop online here: https://crawfordartgallery.ie/gallery-shop/

Tune into The Arts House with Elmarie Mawe on Cork’s 96FM and C103FM every Sunday morning as Conor Tallon chats with assistant curator Michael Waldron about each WORK OF THE WEEK! Listen back to this week's chat here:

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