Important Irish Art
,
wednesday !"th May !#$% at &pm
53
43
Edwin Hayes RHA RI ROI (1819-1904)
Roche’s Point with Shipping at the Entrance to Cork
Harbour
Oil on canvas, 25.5 x 43cm (10 x 17”)
Signed and dated 1851
Edwin Hayes is undoubtedly Ireland’s most dedicated and
talented marine painter, with an output spanning over 60
years. His knowledge of the sea and of ships, and his equal
interest in these two elements brings a realism and life to his
work which is unmatched.
!e Pilot cutter in the foreground is running out of Cork
Harbour, passing Roche’s Point Lighthouse, with shipping in
the background, and the forts of Carlisle and Camden just
visible. Presumably on its way to transfer the Cork pilot to a
ship waiting to enter harbour.!e cutter is using a temporary
rigged square sail, evidenced by the top and bottom yards,
which has been rigged to take advantage of the wind on the
stern. !e boat is also %ying the red ensign, which is now
commonly known as the ensign carried by British registered
commercial shipping, however in 1851, the date of this work,
the red ensign was carried by Royal Navy vessels from the red
%eet. In addition the Royal Cork Yacht Club, also %ew a red
ensign at this time.
!is view of Cork Harbour, is one of Hayes’s very few views
of this part of Ireland. !e RHA records list few Cork titles,
and none after 1851.
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