A 1916 COMMEMORATIVE MIRROR An exact facsimile of the 1916 ...

Estimate

€7,000 - €10,000

A 1916 COMMEMORATIVE MIRROR

An exact facsimile of the 1916 Proclamation, engraved on the reverse of a sheet of mirror glass, and elaborately framed in a series of gilt rectangles enclosing symbols of Irish history and nationhood, entirely executed to his own design by a Cork craftsman and wood gilder, Mr. Patrick Coffey.

The overall style follows the Romanesque architecture of the General Post Office itself.  Around the Proclamation are small silhouette portraits of the seven signatories modelled in bog oak. The frame’s pillars to left and right, crowned by Easter lilies, are modelled in giltwood with symbols from the Irish struggle for freedom; they rest on the rising sun symbol of Fenianism to left, and the green flag of the Irish Republic to right. At the base, a Celtic cross is flanked to left by a Citizen Army volunteer and to right by a Cumann na mBan member, further flanked by the doorways of Kilmainham Prison, where the signatories met their end. The reproduction of the Proclamation shows some of the printing errors of the original.

Above the Proclamation the design reflects the pillared façade of the General Post Office. At the apex, Volunteer Gearóid O’Sullivan raises the flag of the Irish Republic as in April 1916. 

A unique and most impressive artefact, representing Irish craftwork at its best, and highly suitable for display in an appropriate public or private building. 
In fine condition throughout, approx. 187cms x 108cms (73 1/2"h x 42"w). (1)