Battle painting to go on public display

THE most iconic image of the Battle of Clontarf is to go on public display on the Northside next month.

Hugh Frazer’s painting will be exhibited at the Casino at Marino from March 15 to April 24 as part of the millennium commemorations of the 1014 battle.

The painting (3 metres x 2 metres) depicts Brian Boru at his tent in the left foreground overlooking the main battle stretching into the distance with Howth in the background.

It is now owned by Kildare Partners who are making it available for the commemorations.

The painting couldn’t have been much further from Clontarf, though. It had been on display at the Isaac Arts Centre in Hawaii and prior to that was in the personal collection of American philanthropist George Isaac.

Mr Isaac, who has Irish ancestry, purchased the painting from a private collection in Ireland 35 years ago.

Collette Gill, chair of the Clontarf 2014 Committee, wrote to the Isaac Art Centre requesting permission to reproduce an image of the painting.

Kildare Partners have subsequently made it available to the committee.

Emer Finnan, managing director of Kildare Partners, said they were delighted to assist in bringing the painting back to Ireland.

“It’s such a distinctive image of Irish history,

? said Ms Finnan.

Ms Gill said the committee was also delighted to have the painting.

“The Casino at Marino is such a fitting place to show this wonderful painting,

? she told Northside People.

“We are very grateful to Kildare Partners for returning this painting to Ireland for the Irish public to enjoy during this important commemoration.

?

Casino at Marino is in the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Pauline Kennedy, from the OPW, said:

“The location of Casino Marino on a hill overlooking the panorama of Dublin Bay is an ideal viewing point from which to plot the scene of the battle using the painting’s elevated landscape as a lens to view this iconic landmark in history.

?