Patrick Byrne, Irish, 1783-1864
Title: Trinity College and Portico of the House of Lords
Date: 1810
Medium: Ink and watercolour on paper
Dimensions:
53.2 x 71.4 cm
Signed: lower centre (in ink): Patk Byrne 1810
Credit Line: Purchased, 1913
Object Number: NGI.2689
DescriptionThis familiar view of the west front of Trinity College on College Green and James Gandon's porticoed entrance to the former House of Lords (preserved for visitors inside the present Bank of Ireland) is taken from Westmoreland Street. The creation of this street c.1800 by the Wide Street Commissioners, with uniform shop-fronts of granite pilasters, created a fashionable shopping location and opened up the city centre from Merrion to Rutland (Parnell) Squares. Prominently shown is an officer of the Light Dragoons, with his wife and son in military influenced dress. Beyond are another couple, she in wrap-over pelisse, he in 'morning walking dress' approaching a soldier from the Bank's own militia on guard. The architectural details and statues of Wisdom and Liberty are precisely observed by young architecrt Patrick Byrne, and only missing is the bustle and noise of city life.