Skip to main content
Advanced Search
, Scottish, 1750-1819
Title
Cast of Death Mask of Robert Emmet (1778-1803), Patriot
Dateafter 1803
MediumPlaster
Dimensions
22 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 1899
Object numberNGI.8130
Label TextRobert Emmet was an Irish nationalist and rebel. One of the leaders of the United Irishmen in the failed rising of 23 July 1803, he was captured and tried for high treason. An exceptional orator, Emmet delivered his famous speech on liberty from the dock of Green Street Courthouse before his death sentence was handed down. He was hanged outside St Catherine's Church, Thomas Street, Dublin. The artist, James Petrie, sketched Emmet during the trial and took a cast of his face in Kilmainham Jail following his execution.