Newly-acquired Seán Keating painting to go on display at Crawford Art Gallery 

It will bring the total number of works by Mr Keating in the Crawford collection in Cork city to 13

The painting was brought to the Cork city gallery on Saturday and was unveiled by Tánaiste Micheál Martin. Picture: Clare Keogh

A newly-acquired artwork by a Limerick-born romantic realist painter is set to go on display at Cork city's Crawford Art Gallery next week. 

'The Window' painted by Seán Keating in 1924 was purchased for the National Collection at an auction from a private seller with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Galetacht, Sport and Media. 

Sisters Grace and Olivia Fenton at The Unveiling of Crawford Art Gallery’s latest acquisition for the national collection. Picture: Clare Keogh

It will bring the total number of works by Mr Keating in the Crawford collection to 13. 

His best-known painting, 'Men of the South', depicts real-life members of the second North Cork Brigade of the IRA awaiting an ambush. 

'Men of the South' was purchased by Crawford Art Gallery the same year that he painted 'The Window'.

Seán Keating (1889–1977) was best known for his depictions of the Irish War of Independence and Civil War. 

However, 'The Window' marks a departure from these political subjects and is a "gentle and affectionate depiction of his wife, May, seated at a window reading". 

The painting was brought to the Cork city gallery on Saturday and was unveiled by Tánaiste Micheál Martin.

"I am honoured to preside over the unveiling of 'The Window' by iconic Irish artist Seán Keating, who has been pivotal in capturing the difficult journey taken to achieve the Irish State," Mr Martin said.

"This painting was first shown in 1924 at the Aonach Tailteann — the sporting and cultural festival held to showcase the strengths of a new nation drawing on its proud history, culture, and traditions. 

"So, as we approach the end of the Decade of Centenaries, it is fitting that the Crawford Art Gallery can put this wonderful artwork on public display," he added. 

'The Window' by Sean Keating is a 'gentle and affectionate depiction of his wife, May, seated at a window reading'.

Crawford Art Gallery director Mary McCarthy said the new artwork adds "a new dimension to the Sean Keating collection at Crawford".

"Its subject matter is tender and timeless and it is very modern in nature, despite being 100 years old in 2024." Ms McCarthy said. 

"We look forward to seeing it on public display and to seeing our audience engage with it." 

'The Window' will go on display to visitors to Crawford Art Gallery on Monday, November 13.

This article was updated on November 13