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Frederick Goodall , English, 1822-1904

Title

The Holy Well

Date1843

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

27 x 38 cm

Signed1843

Credit LinePurchased, 2010

Object numberNGI.2010.7

Label TextHoly wells were, and remain, common and widely distributed throughout Ireland. They were often associated with particular saints - though also having pagan associations - and were frequently marked, as in this instance, by a cross. Though not an Irish preserve, they were widely perceived by visitors as the focus of a quaint form of Catholic devotion, and attracted the attention of artists, novelists and travel writers from the eighteenth to the twentieth century. Their waters were often believed to have curative properties.