The Reading Figure in Irish Art in the Long Nineteenth Century

This insightful exploration of Irish art highlights the significance of reading figures in shaping gender perceptions during the long nineteenth century. The Reading Figure in Irish Art in the Long Nineteenth Century offers a rich analysis of cultural transformations.

This book delves into the fascinating world of Irish portraits from the long nineteenth century, focusing specifically on figures depicted reading or holding a book. During this period, reading fiction was often perceived as unmanly, while the practice of 'silent reading' emerged as a means for women of privilege to engage with literature privately and extensively. The portrayal of these women in portraits played a crucial role in shaping the concept of the 'New Woman' in Ireland, highlighting the changing societal norms surrounding femininity and intellectual engagement.

The theme of reading has been a persistent motif in Western art, particularly prominent in the nineteenth century. This book closely examines how Irish artists, whether born, trained, or practicing in Ireland, represented the act of reading. It investigates the varying values associated with reading and how these reflect contemporary perceptions of the reader. The selected artworks are framed within the broader context of Irish history, culture, and politics, a time marked by significant social and cultural transformations. Many of the artists and their subjects were Anglo-Irish Protestants, and the book discusses how both Imperial and nationalist ideologies often marginalized reading, especially fiction, as a less masculine pursuit.

Despite these prevailing attitudes, the book reveals that some male figures are still depicted reading, often failing to conform to traditional masculine ideals. The rise of the novel and the advent of 'silent reading' empowered women from the middle and upper classes, enabling them to explore a diverse array of imaginative literature without the scrutiny of patriarchal oversight. The visual representation of women as serious readers not only reflects but also contributes to the emergence of the 'New Woman' in Ireland, marking a significant cultural shift during this era.