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Sir Hugh Lane Producing Masterpieces for Dublin
Sir Hugh Lane Producing Masterpieces for Dublin

Sir Hugh Lane Producing Masterpieces for Dublin

Artist (1872 - 1956)
Date1909
MediumInk and pencil on paper
Dimensions43.7 x 37.3 cm
ClassificationsDrawings
Credit LineCollection & image © Hugh Lane Gallery. Donated by J. Hugh C. Lane, 1952. © The Estate of Max Beerbohm.
Object number1033
DescriptionThis caricature depicts Hugh Lane producing masterpieces for Dublin from his top hat. The drawing suggests that Lane is like a magician and can easily produce such wondrous objects. Lane is dressed in a formal evening suit, and stands on a stage in front of a seated crowd of poorly dressed Dubliners. Lane intended that the Gallery of Modern Art would be for the benefit of all citizens. The portrayal of class difference in this caricature suggests that Lane was perhaps not in touch with what were the more urgent necessities that needed to be provided for the majority of Dubliners living in slums. Behind Lane stands an assistant laden down by the masterpieces Lane has produced and he appears to be overwhelmed and weighed down by the sheer number of paintings.

Sir Hugh Percy Lane (1875-1915), in evening dress, stands on a platform with an assistant producing in magician-like fashion, masterpieces of painting from a top hat, while a motley selection of the citizens of Dublin, seated in rows, looks on.
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