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© The National Gallery of Ireland
, Irish, 1900-1979
Title
Early Morning, Connemara (Mannin Bay)
Datec.1965
MediumOil on board
Dimensions
55 x 75.5 cm
Credit LinePresented, Mr James Nolan, in memory of the Artist, 1983
Object numberNGI.4461
ProvenancePurchased from the artist, 1966, James Nolan RHA; presented, James Nolan RHA, in memory of the Artist, 1983 Exhibition HistoryRoyal Hibernian Academy, Dublin, 1965

An t-Óireachtas, Dublin, 1979

Acquisitions 1982-83, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 1983

Label TextMacGonigal visited the west and south-west of Ireland regularly from the 1930s, producing much of his finest work in Kerry and Connemara. Unlike many of his contemporaries who shared his deep affection for the west, MacGonigal often seemed more intent on evoking the atmosphere and physical character of the landscape than in describing identifiable locations. This rather generalised view of Mannin Bay, in which a shepherd and his sheep are integrated elements, communicates qualities characteristic of Connemara as a whole. The rich and lively palette is typical of MacGonigal’s work.