Who painted Figures by a Coffin - a Scene from 'The Collegians'?

Figures by a Coffin - a Scene from 'The Collegians' was painted by Daniel MacDonald in 1840.

Where can I see Figures by a Coffin - a Scene from 'The Collegians'?

Figures by a Coffin - a Scene from 'The Collegians' is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

What movement is Figures by a Coffin - a Scene from 'The Collegians'?

Figures by a Coffin - a Scene from 'The Collegians' is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Figures by a Coffin - a Scene from 'The Collegians'

Daniel MacDonald , 1840

Figures by a Coffin - a Scene from 'The Collegians' is an oil painting by the Realist artist Daniel MacDonald. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

Daniel MacDonald’s oil on canvas, dated 1840, portrays a small gathering around a coffin set against an open landscape. The work is part of the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection. Its composition centers on a somber tableau, with muted attire and a subdued palette that convey the gravity of the moment.

Subject & Meaning

Four figures occupy the foreground: three stand and one kneels beside the casket, suggesting a personal loss or communal mourning. The outdoor setting, hinted at by a solitary tree and a rolling hillside, underscores the universality of grief, extending the private sorrow into a broader natural context.

Technique & Style

MacDonald employs chiaroscuro, juxtaposing deep shadows with limited illumination to model the bodies and emphasize their three‑dimensional presence. The restrained colour scheme, dominated by dark tones, enhances the melancholic atmosphere while the crisp brushwork delineates individual features within the group.

History & Provenance

Created in the early nineteenth century, the painting entered the National Gallery of Ireland’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s interest in representing Irish genre scenes that document social rituals such as funerary rites.