Adam's IMPORTANT IRISH ART 4 DECEMBER 2024

THE HON. FRANCIS D. MURNAGHAN JR. (1920 – 2000) A distinguished figure in American legal history, Judge Francis D. Murnaghan Jr. served as a United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals for over two decades, fol- lowing his appointment by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. His career was a testament to public service, from his early days as a lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II, through his legal practice in both Philadelphia and Baltimore, and his various government roles, includ- ing with the U.S. Department of State. Educated at Johns Hopkins University and Harvard Law School, Murnaghan's intellectual rigor and dedication marked him as one of the leading legal minds of his generation. But beyond the courtroom, Murnaghan was a man of deep and diverse passions. A lover of the arts, and in particular Irish painting, Murnaghan began collecting works around 1970, steadily amassing a collection that reflected both his discerning taste and his dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of Ireland. His collecting journey, which he once referred to as a "wall-de- vouring entity," was pursued with the same tenacity and insight that defined his legal career. In correspondence, Murnaghan expressed his love for both the old and the new, yet confessed to being drawn particularly to more traditional forms of expression. He cherished works by North- ern Irish artists, such as Andrew Nicholl and James Humbert Craig, and delighted in collecting pieces by major figures such as Roderic O’Conor, Nathaniel Hone and Leo Whelan among many others. His collection became a vivid testament to the broad spectrum of Irish artistic talent, curated with an eye for both historical significance and personal resonance. Today, we are privileged to offer a selection from Judge Murnaghan’s exceptional collection, a tangible reflection of his refined tastes and enduring love for Irish art. It is our hope that these works, which once graced his home, will find new admirers and be treasured as they were by him.