Artwork
The 16th, 17th (St Patrick’s Day), and 18th March
The 16th, 17th (St Patrick’s Day), and 18th March is an oil painting by the Realist artist Erskine Nicol. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
Erskine Nicol’s oil painting, dated 1856, captures a bustling street scene set on March 16th, 17th (St Patrick’s Day), and 18th. The work is part of the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection. It presents a festive crowd gathered around a costumed performer whose lively dance animates the composition, while surrounding architecture and foliage frame the celebration.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a street entertainer dressed in bright, patterned clothing, whose energetic pose draws the eye and conveys a sense of communal merriment. Spectators in traditional attire—some seated on the ground, others standing—react with amusement and engagement, suggesting the painting records a public holiday atmosphere where ordinary citizens share in collective joy.
Technique & Style
Nicol employs warm, earthy tones and soft, fluid brushwork to evoke the heat of the day and the convivial spirit of the gathering. The painter’s handling of light creates subtle contrasts between the illuminated performer and the shaded background, while the loose handling of foliage and architectural details adds depth without detracting from the central action.
History & Provenance
Created in 1856, the canvas entered the National Gallery of Ireland’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s interest in 19th‑century genre scenes that document everyday life and cultural celebrations in Ireland during the mid‑Victorian period.
Artist & collection
