20th Century

In the 20^th century many Irish artists travelled to various regions in France in order to study the modern art styles being practiced there, such as Impressionism and Cubism.

An Impressionistic Approach

• Walter Osborne (1859-1903)

Osborne began studying in the RHA and then travelled to Antwerp. He also spent a year painting in Brittany where he was influenced by the plein-air painting techniques; recording the effects of sunlight.

Example: In a Dublin Park, Light and Shade, c. 1895

• Roderic O’Conor (1860-1940)

O’Conor studied in Antwerp and Paris. La Jeune Bretonne, 1890 was painted when he was in Brittany.

A Cubist Approach

• Mainie Jellett (1897-1944)

Jellett travelled with Evie Hone (1894-1955) to Paris in order to study the Cubist theories of Albert Gleizes. She introduced Cubism to Ireland.

   Example: Decoration, 1923