Adam's IRISH OLD MASTERS 5th November 2024

22 These prints record the visit of George IV to Ireland in 1821, which saw official business overshadowed by the King’s wish to visit Slane Castle. These are rare first state prints before the flags were re-engraved to fly at half mast for the death of Queen Caroline. This pair of aquatint prints by Robert Havell, are based on paintings by Joseph Haverty, a close friend of ‘The Liberator’, Daniel O’Connell. Haverty based his depictions on sketches made by John Lushington Reilly, whom Haverty has thoughtfully included in the embarkation scene. The figure of Reilly can be found in the cen - tral foreground sketching on horseback. The 18 day visit by George IV began on August 12th 1821, the Kings 59th birth - day, and a mere three weeks after his coronation. The visit was arguably the first time a British monarch had visited the country without an accompanying army, in the traditional sense at least. George IV’s visit was universally greet - ed with rejoicing from the populace. One of the first to extend his warmest welcome was Daniel O’Connell, who saw the visit as welcome support in his endeavours to achieve Catholic Eman- cipation, although George only signed the bill reluctantly some eight years lat - er. The King, whilst scheduled to arrive at Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire), instead arrived at Howth harbour in a mood befitting his birthday celebrations. The first print shows the King leading a pro - cession of some two hundred carriages at the head of Sackville Street amidst a spectacular flurry of flags and pageant - ry. The Lord Mayor’s Guard, who resem- bled ‘Beefeaters’, can be seen close to the carriage. The King spent the major - ity of his stay at the Vice Regal Lodge in the Phoenix Park, with the exception of a four day visit to his mistress, Elizabeth Lady Conyngham at Slane Castle. The visit was a resounding success - Daniel O’Connell even suggesting that a col - lection be taken up from every peasant in Ireland, to facilitate the building of a palace for the new King. The collection did not afford the building of a palace but it did facilitate the building of a new bridge crossing the Liffey at the present location of Heuston Station, known aptly as King’s Bridge. 14 AFTER JOSEPH PATRICK HAVERTY RHA (1794 - 1864) George IV’s Public Entry into the City of Dublin, 17th August 1821 His Majesty’s Embarkation at Kingstown on 3rd September 1821 Hand coloured aquatints and etchings, 44 x 61cm; 46 x 67cm Published by Hurst Robinson & Co., London; Joseph P. Haverty, del.; Robert Havell the Elder fecit. (1823) € 1,500 -2,000