Modern Ireland in 100 Artworks: 1923 – Decoration, by Mainie Jellett
A modernist take on old religious themes pointed the way to Jellett’s acceptance
Detail from ‘Decoration’ which draws on traditional images of the madonna and child
In October 1923 the Irish Times reviewed an art exhibition mounted by the Society of Dublin Painters. The anonymous critic confessed to being puzzled by two paintings by Miss “Maimie” (sic) Jellett: “They are in squares, cubes, odd shapes and clashing colours . . . to me they presented an insoluble puzzle.”