Irish Artists Abroad

A Convent Garden (1911) by William John Leech (1881-1968)

A Convent Garden (1911) by William John Leech (1881-1968). Leech shows an awareness of Impressionist techniques in the light and brushwork, as well as the treatment of the subject. Courtesy of the National Gallery of Ireland

Photo (c) National Gallery of Ireland (c) The Artist's Estate

A Convent Garden (1911) by William John Leech (1881-1968)
Photo (c) National Gallery of Ireland (c) The Artist's Estate

A Convent Garden (1911) by William John Leech (1881-1968)

A Convent Garden (1911) by William John Leech (1881-1968). Leech shows an awareness of Impressionist techniques in the light and brushwork, as well as the treatment of the subject. Courtesy of the National Gallery of Ireland

Photo (c) National Gallery of Ireland (c) The Artist's Estate

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The significance of Britain and France as major sources of patronage and culture, drew many artists from Ireland where there were limited opportunities. During the nineteenth century, France was recognised as a major hub of artistic development, and many artists travelled there during the course of the century.   As mentioned elsewhere, these artists introduced into their imagery new ideas relating to theme, colour, and method of expression, in order to express the new ideas that presaged Modernism.