Artwork
Portrait of Turlough O'Carolan
Portrait of Turlough O'Carolan is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Francis Bindon. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1720, the portrait of the Irish harpist Turlough O'Carolan was painted by Francis Bindon, a noted 18th‑century Irish architect and artist. Executed on a copper plate, the work now belongs to the National Gallery of Ireland and exemplifies Bindon’s reputation for receiving commissions from leading Irish patrons.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown wearing a dark green coat, his curly hair framing a pale face marked by a subtle smile. He cradles a well‑worn harp, its dark wood and frayed strings emphasizing his identity as a musician and linking him to Ireland’s cultural heritage.
Technique & Style
Bindon employs a strong chiaroscuro effect, casting the figure against a deep black background that heightens the contrast between light and shadow. The application of paint is occasionally impasto, creating a tactile surface on the copper support and reinforcing the early Baroque aesthetic that had been imported from Italy.
History & Provenance
Francis Bindon, respected among his contemporaries, produced the portrait during a period when he was frequently commissioned by prominent Irish figures. After remaining in private hands for several generations, the painting entered the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s representation of 18th‑century Irish art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francis Bindon (c. 1690 – 1765) was a popular architect and painter in 18th century Ireland. Bindon was highly regarded by his contemporaries and was commissioned to design buildings and paint portraits for some of…
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