IMPORTANT IRISH ART 3 MARCH 2025

112 86 Rory Breslin (b.1963) MASK OF THE CAMPANILE, DEMOSTHENES [TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN] bronze; (artist’s proof ) signed and inscribed [A/P] on right side 27 by 18.50 by 9.50in. (68.6 by 47 by 24.1cm) Dimensions of base: 4 by 8 by 9.5in. Framed by his skull-cap and his energetic billowing hair and beard, the grave and meditative concentration on Demosthenes’ face is created by the deep furrows of the fore-head, the protruding brows and the shadows in the corners of the eyes. The concentration of energy in his gaze is achieved by the profound working of forms. The orator’s face carries an expression of determination and nervous intensity heightened by the polished gold light that illuminates his eyes. With his mouth slightly parted as if to speak, this image is wholly in accord with ancient writers’ descriptions of Demosthenes (384–322 B.C.), which present him as an aggressive politician who defended the interests of Athens. The Mask of the Campanile is an interpretation of Thomas Kirks’ (1781-1845) keystone of Demosthenes on the West facing facade of the Trinity College Campanile. The other figurative keystones depict Homer, Socrates and Plato representing the liberal arts. The Campanile marks the central axis of the main front squares of the Trinity College campus. It was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, and the foundation stone was laid 1st December 1852. Built by Henry Kingsmill at a cost of £3,500, it was complete by 1854. It is the most recent bell tower in a long line dating back to the original tower of the monastery of All Hallows. The college tradition and superstition holds that any student who passes beneath the campanile while the bell is tolling will fail their exams, causing some to never pass under it until they finish their time at Trinity College. On graduation day, a celebratory walk under Demosthenes is a rite of passage. €4,000-€6,000 (£3,330-£5,000 approx.) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot86