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| STAIRWAY NATIONAL GALLERY, DUBLIN.- The foregoing sketch shows the main stairway of the National Gallery of Art, Dublin, and is mad brilliant by the fine collection of sculpture and painting on the pedestals and walls that flank it on each side. One of the most striking pieces of statuary here displayed is the figure of "Venus Crouching," which was presented by Mr. Carmichael-a public-spirited Irishman-several years ago. Ireland, owing to dispiriting and unsettled conditions, has not developed art in proportion to her native capacity during the last fifty years. When Thomas Davis-who was the life and soul of modern Irish nationalism-died, in 1845, he had great hopes that a demand for Irish art-the work of native sculptors and painters dealing with native subjects, of which there is an unlimited number-would grow apace. Unfortunately, the disappointment, exodus and poverty following immediately in the track of O'Connell's defeat in the Repeal of the Union movement, took the heart out of Ireland, and with it, for the time being, most of the genius. Were Davis to revisti the earth to-day, he would find that Irish sculpture, at least, has not advanced since the days of Hogan and Foley. |
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