"When it was exhibited by Burton in 1864 it caused a sensation...and I think it's because it's such a romantic image, it's so beautiful."
Anne Hodge, Curator of Prints and Drawings, NGI
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (Italian, 1571-1610), 'The Taking of Christ', 1602
"Nothing can compare to the combined visual and emotional impact of Caravaggio's Taking of Christ."
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William John Leech (Irish, 1881-1968), 'A Convent Garden, Brittany', c.1913
"The lightness and purity of the colours and composition fill me with calm when admiring it."
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Video clips from RTE One's 'Masterpiece, Ireland's Favourite Painting' are available on the Gallery's YouTube channel.
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Johannes Vermeer (Dutch, 1632-1675), 'A Lady Writing a Letter, with her Maid', c.1670
"A magnificent painting that will be around for many centuries to come..."
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John Lavery (Irish, 1856-1941), 'The Artist's Studio', 1909-1913
"The tension between Hazel, Lavery's second wife, and her step-daughter Alice is palpable."
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