AFTER ANOTHER year in which billions were spent worldwide at auction salerooms and commercial galleries, it is reassuring to know that much great art can be enjoyed for free.
One of the most popular destinations for post-Christmas cultural outings is the National Gallery of Ireland in Merrion Square, Dublin 2. The gallery is closed on St Stephen’s Day but re-opens on Tuesday, December 27th.
A spokeswoman said "a festive delight is in store for visitors" with new displays in its Masterpieces from the Collectionexhibition, including a special presentation of some of the finest works in the collection at the Beit Wing and Millennium Wing (rooms 1-10). Highlights include views of Dresden and Florence by Bernardo Bellotto (1720-80), one of the most celebrated Italian artists.
Fables and Fairy Talesshowcases some 20 works from the gallery's prints and drawings collection, featuring illustrations for fairy tales, poems and stories by John Butler Yeats , Richard Doyle, Paul Henry and Harry Clarke.
One of the gallery's most popular watercolours, The Meeting on the Turret Stairsby Frederic William Burton, has been installed in a specially made cabinet in the Millennium Wing and "due to its delicate nature" is available to view each week, on Mondays and Wednesdays (11am-noon), and on Sundays (3pm-4pm).
The traditional annual exhibition of Turner’s watercolours opens on January 1st.
The gallery has a programme of family events, talks and tours throughout the Christmas period. See nationalgallery.ie.
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