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The Patron, or the Festival of St Kevin at the Seven Churche
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The Patron, or the Festival of St Kevin at the Seven Churche
The Patron, or the Festival of St Kevin at the Seven Churches, Glendalough (1813). Peacock, Joseph c.1783-1837. This work shows the festivities surrounding the feast day of St Kevin, held annually on 3 June at Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, where Kevin had founded a monastery in the sixth century. Though patrons (or patterns) were intended to have a devotional character, no such religious sentiment can be detected here. Instead, the scene is one of merriment and worldliness: dancing, drinking and the trading of goods. This particular patron was suppressed by Cardinal Cullen in 1862, as part of a move by the Catholic clergy to prohibit local festivals. Peacock made his reputation with crowd scenes like this and depictions of events such as Donnybrook and Palmerston Fairs. Peacock was clearly gifted, with a closely observed technique and a keen eye for detail. The painting is a fascinating glimpse of Irish life in the early nineteenth century. Date: 1813
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Media ID 13100223
© National Museums NI / MARY EVANS
Annually Churches Feast Festival Festivities Founded Glendalough Held Kevin Monastery Patron Peacock Seven Sixth Surrounding Wicklow Shows
The Patron, or the Festival of St. Kevin at the Seven Churches
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating and vibrant painting by Irish artist Joseph Peacock, created in 1813. This work depicts the annual feast day celebrations of St. Kevin, held at Glendalough in County Wicklow, where the saint had founded a monastery in the sixth century. The scene is far removed from the intended devotional character of such events, instead showcasing an atmosphere of merriment and worldliness. Peacock masterfully captures the spirit of the occasion, with people dancing, drinking, and trading goods in the streets. The seven churches of Glendalough can be seen in the background, providing a picturesque backdrop to the festivities. This particular patron, or pattern, was one of many local festivals that were suppressed by Cardinal Cullen in 1862 as part of a wider effort by the Catholic clergy to prohibit such events. Peacock's reputation as a painter was built on crowd scenes like this and depictions of events such as Donnybrook and Palmerston Fairs. His closely observed technique and keen eye for detail are evident in every aspect of this painting, making it a fascinating glimpse into Irish life in the early nineteenth century. The painting invites us to witness the joy and energy of the community coming together to celebrate their patron saint, offering a unique perspective on a time long past.
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