George Francis Mulvany
, Irish, 1809-1869
Title
Self-PortraitMediumOil on canvas
Dimensions
76 x 63 cm
Credit LinePresented, The Misses Mulvany, 1930
Object numberNGI.926
DescriptionGeorge Francis Mulvany was the son of Thomas James Mulvany, also an artist, and succeeded him as Keeper of the Royal Hibernian Academy Schools. George Francis was an accomplished portrait painter who exhibited portraits of some of Ireland's foremost personalities. In 1862, having campaigned for the establishment of the National Gallery of Ireland, he became its first Director, a position he held until his death seven years later. In this self-portrait Mulvany presents himself as a benevolent character, showing the beginnings of a smile. This expression differs from the taciturn demeanour so often favoured by artists in portraits of themselves.