'This is a fantastic coup': Cork's Crawford Gallery acquires four exciting paintings

Crawford Art Gallery in Cork has acquired two more paintings by one of Ireland’s best-known painters, Seán Keating.

Keating’s ‘Elijah with the Ravens, Version II’ (1930) and his self-portrait from 1961 are amongst four artworks recently acquired at auction by Crawford Art Gallery for the National Collection.

The two Keating paintings alongside ‘Winter Evening, Calary’ (1964) by artist Camille Souter and ‘Attic Bedroom’ (date unknown) by Grace Henry were all purchased with the of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Crawford Art Gallery director Mary McCarthy said: “This is a fantastic coup for Crawford Art Gallery and National Collection.

“The acquisition of ‘Elijah and the Ravens’ and Keating’s self-portrait are a thrilling moment for Crawford Art Gallery, making Crawford Art Gallery an even more significant custodian of public works by this much-loved and historically important Irish painter.

“The Camile Souter and Grace Henry acquisitions further expand our collection of two very fine artists’ works.”

Sean Keating, born in 1889 in Limerick, is considered one of Ireland’s leading painters of the first half of the 20th century, and the recent acquisitions bring to 15 the number of Keating works in Crawford Art Gallery’s collection.

One of Keating’s best-loved paintings, ‘Men of the South’, depicting men of the 2nd North Cork Brigade of the IRA awaiting an ambush, is among the Cork gallery’s collection, and in November 2023, Crawford purchased ‘The Window’, a tender depiction of Keating’s wife, May, at a Dublin auction.

Ms McCarthy added: “Crawford Art Gallery’s doors might be closed to the public at present for redevelopment, but as these important acquisitions show, we are continuing to work behind the scenes to enhance the National Collection.

“The public will have an even more exciting and enriching visitor experience awaiting them when we reopen our doors.”

Transforming Crawford Art Gallery, an extensive restoration and redevelopment, is currently expected to be completed in 2027 and the newly acquired Keating’s, Souter, and Henry will go on public display when it reopens.

Staff continue to care for the collection of over 3,500 artworks — the collection is being decanted into secure storage for the duration of the building’s renovations.