Guillaume Guillon-Lethiere (1760-1832) An investigation into the life and works of al mixed-race Caribbean artist in pre and post-revolutionary France
Sophie Carey
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
This dissertation grew out of an initial inquiry into abolitionist paintings which led to the discovery of ‘Oath of the Ancestors’ by Guillaume Guillon-Lethere. Initial research into the artist (which required several variations of his surname: Le Thiers, Lethier, Lethiere) elicited few results which revealed the lack of interest and scholarship that has been devoted to Lethiere. As a result, this dissertation is a study of Guillaume Guillon-Lethiere (1760-1832), a French artist of mixed-race origins from Guadelope in the French West Indies. The dissertation seeks to prove that the lack of scholarship undertaken on the artist’s work does not reflect his prominence as an artist of his time. Lethere was not an obscure painting, but rather was one of the most prominent figures of the French art world at the end of a turbulent century.
An Tur Gloine and Michael Healy (1873-1941)
David Caron
Subject: Stained Glass
Supervisor: Anne Crookshank
‘A Blind Alley’: The Cessation of Paul Egestorff’s Artistic Career
Nicola Carroll
Subject: Painting and Sculpture
10,000 words
This dissertation presents an investigation of the reasons behind the cessation of Paul Egestorff’s artistic career. The author considers Egestorff’s training under Mainie Jellett and examines the extent to which his work can be said to have progressed in style and subject matter from her teaching. His exhibitions with the Royal Hibernian Academy, Water Colour Society of Ireland, Irish Exhibition of Living Art and the White Stag Group are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the artist’s one-man show at the Grafton Gallery in 1949 with a view to assessing the relevance of the critical reception of the exhibition as the catalyst for the artist’s decision to cease painting. The author also considers the resurrgence and reassesment of Egestorff’s work in the 1990’s. The dissertation icludes extensive appendices of primary source material, such as exhibition histories, critical reviews, original catalogues
Caravaggio’s Gay Guys?
Shannon Carroll
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
This dissertation is a contemporary exploration and reconsideration of some of the key paintings by Caravaggio, which are often considered to evoke a sense of homoeroticism. Certain aspects of these paintings are read as homosexual inclinations of the artist and have been used as the basis for arguments supporting the artist’s homosexuality. Seductive homosexual aspects and connotations have been extrapolated from his paintings in their analysis, a continuation of which can also be seen in the work of his followers.The resulting debate emerging from this, has glorified Caravaggio and his work, creating a modern gay icon. The research conducted throughout this thesis, hopes to acknowledge these aspects of Caravaggio and his followers work, but seeks to present how this acclaimed homosexual status may be based on dogmatic terms.
The Eighteenth Century Hospitals in Dublin
Noreen Casey
Subject: Architecture
10,000 words
This study looks at the following buildings : Dr. Steeven's Hospital; The Charitable Infirmary; Mercer's Hospital; The Meath Hospital; St. Patrick's Hospital; The Lying-in Hospital; The Hospital for the Incurables; The Lock Hospital and Buckingham Hospital. The extraordinary increase in the number of hospitals built in Dublin in the 18th century sparked the interest for this subject, only buildings which fulfill the function of 'hospital' in the modern sense are considered.
Books and Builders: A Bibliographical Approach to Irish Eighteenth Century Architecture
Christine Casey
Subject: Architectural Publications
Approx. 60,000 - 80,000 words
This study is an attempt to construct the bibliographical dimension of Irish eighteenth-century architectural history. Irish newspapers of the period have been combed for publication notices and subscription proposals and a representative cross-section of contemporary book catalogues has been sifted for architectural titles. The combination of these methods serves to give a general picture of the literature being collected by Irish library owners and that which was being sold by the book trade. Another avenue of approach has been the analysis of Irish manuscript materials which display a clear reliance upon published architectural works. Several curious manuscript volumes compiled in Ireland during the course of the eighteenth century vividly illustrate the usage of architectural books and prints both by amateurs and professional architects. The bookish nature of these documents demonstrates more clearly than built architecture, the assimilation of published proto-types into Irish eighteenth-century design. Having established the type of literature which was published in Ireland and that which was in general circulation, it was then requisite to consider the individuals who bought, sold, wrote, read or perused architectural publications. Irish library owners, the booksellers of Dublin and a handful of Irish architects and authors serve to humanise an otherwise exclusively bookish history. Given the preliminary state of Irish biographical studies, lengthy research was necessary to determine the identity and position of many lesser figures in the contemporary building world who were associated in a variety of ways with architectural literature. Perhaps the most useful contribution of this study to the architectural history of the period and to Irish eighteenth-century studies in general, is the new information which it provides on contemporary patrons, lesser known architects, builders and critics. This information adds significantly to our understanding of contemporary architecture.
Luxury Modernism. A Contradiction in Terms? Investigation Modern Opulence at the Villa Cavrois by Robert Mallet-Stevens
Timothy Casserly
Subject: Architecture
10,000 words
In the last decade or so, an interest has been rekindled in Robert Mallet- Stevens. Once an acclaimed modern architect who ranked as high as Le Corbusier and August Perret, he quickly fell into oblivion after his premature death in 1945. As the decades passed and he became forgotten, time took its toll on his oeuvre. The Villa Cavrois remained in the family possession until the 1980s, when Lucie Cavrois, wife of the already deceased Paul, passed away. Although the house had a rather tumultous history-such as a period of abandonment during World War II followed by major renovations throughout the 1950s-it was not the until death of Lucie that the house fell into complete disrepair.
Images of Music in Religious and Genre Paintings in Seventeenth Century Italy and Spain
Ciara Cavanagh
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
The aim of this dissertation is to study the topic of music in paintings in the seventeenth century. In this study, I will limit my research to Italy and Spain, two countries that had close ties during this time period. For my study I have chosen a select amount of religious and genre paintings and I will find if the views of the Church and society in each country are reflected in these paintings. I will also show whether the paintings I have chosen are realistic depictions of musical performances and whether the artists have knowledge of music.
The Construction of a Divine Image to Consolidate the Power of the Byzantine Empress 300-550 AD
Sean Ceroni
Subject: Mosaics, Frescoes, Ivories, Coins, Sculpture
10,000 words
This dissertation examines the visual strategies employed by the Byzantine state between 400 and 550 AD to communicate an image of an empowered empress to its subjects, whereby such strategies were necessary in order for ideologically misognistic society to accept the fact that these women were at the time commanding major institutional power. The ultimate strategy employed appears to be creating visual associations between the empress and the Divine, which in the case of Christian Byzantinium, entailed association with the Virgin Mary, a process which involved greatly increasing the position and the importance of the Virgin in Christian doctrine. The visual associations between the empress and the Virgin were created across the media of mosaic, statuary and coinage.
‘Who Will Save Us? We Will Save Ourselves’ Queer Artists’ Responses to the AIDS Crisis: The Connection Between the Erotic and Activist
Kyle Chambers
Subject: Mixed Media
10,000 words
The AIDS epidemic in the USA spanned over a decade (c. 1981-1995), killing over eight million people. This phenomenal number of casualties has been acknowledged to be related to the US government’s refusal to address the issue. The crisis was solved by non-partisan groups such as ACT UP, independent scientists, and cultural figures. This thesis will examine the reaction of Queer artists to an issue that overwhelmingly affected the Queer community and the many nuances encapsulated in the reaction. There will be an examination of how the sexually explicit art created by the artist Robert Mapplethorpe was received by LGBTQ public. Another secondary theme will be the activist response of artists to AIDS, particularly through artist collectives such as Gran Fury and General Idea.
Salvator Rosa: A Study of his Portraits and Self-Portraits
Katy Cherry
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
This dissertation examines the portraiture and self-portraits of Salvator Rosa. The paintings are discussed thematically in relation to facets of the painter's character. Drama, war, philosophy, poetry, love and a preoccupation with his own genius are identified as Rosa's inspirations. The psychological aspects behind self-portraiture are given prominence, as are the close relationships with his sitters. The unusual nature of Salvator Rosa's highly personal portraiture and insistence on artistic autonomy is set against the conventional seventeenth century relationships of patronage.
A catalogue of the paintings and architectural drawings in the possession of Major E.A.S Cosby of Stradbally Hall with lists of the drawings and the prints
Lucv Chevenix Trench
Subject: Paintings & Architectural drawing
10,000 words
The dissertation provides a brief history of the family, followed by a catalogue of the paintings and architectural drawings, listed in alphabetical order (where the artists name is known), and then in order of the schools.
A Challenge to Tradition: Examining the Role of Costume in Costume in Contemporary Irish Step Dance
Sarah Churchill
Subject: Costume
Supervisor: Dr Yvonne Scott
Tastemakers An Analysis of Taste in a Postmodern Context
Adriana Ciravegna
Subject: Painting, Architecture and Mixed Media
10,000 words
The dissertation will investigate the relevance of Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of taste and aesthetic judgement in its relationship with society. His text ‘Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste’ will provide the theoretical framework of the art historical discussion. It will be argued whether Bourdieu’s ideas remain relevant in the practice of collecting in Britain and the US with specific references to Charles Saatchi’s methods and practices. The first chapter will set out and analyse Bourdieu’s theory. The second chapter will relate Bourdieu to the practice of collecting in Britain and the US. The third chapter will investigate Charles Saatchi and his relevance to Bourdieu.
Viennese Actionism; the Body as a Medium
Jennifer Claffey
Subject: Performance Art
10,000 words
This dissertation will explore the role of the body within Viennese Actionism between the years 1964-1970; by the artists Gunter Brus, Valie Export, Otto Muehl, Hermann Nitsch and Rudolf Schwarzkogler. The thesis will discuss the body’s adoptions by the above-mentioned artists and the various taboos addressed by the group. ‘The effect and progress of the private action into the public action’ will be examined as well as ‘finally addressing the use of the female body by Aktionismus.’
Unveiling the Existential Element in Louis le Brocquy’s Presence Series
Helen Lee Claffey
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
The aim of this dissertation is to examine the significance of Louis le Brocquy’s Presence Series (1956-1966) under an existential discourse, namely Maurice Merleau-Ponty. Existentialism, focusing on the inexlicable nature of human existence is strongly reflected in le Brocquy’s ambiguous images of inchoate beings. The key themes preoccuping both artist and philosopher present a mutally illuminating dialogue. Le Brocquy’s focus and desire to question the existence of the elusive Presences in terms of the visible and the invisible will be correlated with Merleau-Ponty’s texts on similar concerns. Although le Brocquy was not a self-declared existentialist, a philosophical understanding of the mysterious and expressive work from this decade sets out to resituate le Brocquy in an international context.
“Heroism, royalty and the Street.” The Life and Works of Jean-Michel Basquiat
Dan Clancy
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
A comprehensive overview on the art of Jean Michel Basquiat as well as the influences which shaped as well as detryoed this successful yet isolated artist. The dissertation first deals with Basquiat’s cultural influences, namely American popular culture and clandestine culture as well as his African and European heritage. As Basquiat became increasingly dissilusioned with modern society the primitive figure of his work became the focal point of his compositions. The thesis finally explores Basquiat’s environmental influences; music, black culture and drugs. The dissertation concludes that Basquiat’s oeuvre is an uninhibited running commentary of contemporary culture.
The Black Paintings of Goya
Caroline Clarke
Subject: Painting, Drawing and Print
10,000 words
This dissertation aims to interpret the "Black Paintings" by Goya located in the Quinta del Sordo."Darkness signifies deceit, its progeny are evil and therefore alien to man's supposed, lucid rationality. In our preconceived world it is hardly surprising that the Black Paintings, have been adumbrated by an expression of our own dilemmas rather than a dispassionate interpretation of the artist's mentality and a record of the civilization he existed within."
"A Pair of Eyes". (Henry George Quin as a "neo-classical Irish Grand Tourist".)
Jacqueline Clarke
Subject: art
10,000 words
Analysis of the diary kept by Henry George Quin (1760-1815) during his Grand Tour. Background, methods of transportation, places visited, importance of travel literature as a genre, comments on the hegemony of classical culture in the 18th century. Quin's interests are analysed under : architecture, painting, sculpture, landscape and gardens. Social activities in Rome, studio visits, purchases, his awareness of aesthetic theories and the cogniscenti.
Three Stained Glass Windows in the Diocese of Meath and Kildare. ( by Alfred Earnest Child, Michael Healy, and Harry Clarke)
Rachel Clarke
Subject: Stained Glass
10,000 words
The above were chosen because of their “pioneering role in the ‘revival’ of the art of stained glass” in Ireland at the beginning of the 20th century. The works are : Archangel Michael , 1906, Moyliscar, Westmeath (Child) ; War memorial ,1920, Julianstown, Meath (Healy) ; St. Hubert , 1921, Carnalway, Kildare (Clarke) .All Church of Ireland. An Tur Gloine, influence, iconography, technique
A Comparative Study: Museum Displays of Fashion (1950-2021)
Julia Clarke
Subject: Fashion
10,000 words
The Damnatio Memoriae of Seventeenth Century Female Artists: How Judith Leyster, Artemisia Gentileschi and Michaelina Wautier Survived Misattribution
Annie Mae Clear
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
This study explores three seventeenth century female artists: Judith Leyster, Artemisia Gentileschi and Michaelina Wautier; focusing on how and why their works were misattributed to their male counterparts for a variety of reasons. Each of these artists were highly regarded during their time and it was only after their deaths were they all but erased from history books. This work explores how art history has treated these artists and why they were treated in this fashion. By consulting and analysing the treatment of these great female artists in history it is possible to see certain patterns emerging. These artists did not necessarily fit into art history’s preserved ideas and thus were pushed into anonymity with their works
The German Baroque Garden as illustrated in the Library of Trinity College. Dublin
Elizabeth Clissman
Subject: Architecture, print
10,000 words
"The Library of Dublin University purchased in 1802 in London the library of a Dutch collector and among his books were many folios of engravings and books containing engravings." These and other items acquired elsewhere form the basis for this study. This dissertation aims to show that these works contributed to the development of the formal architectural garden in Germany in the baroque period. This collection contains almost all those engravings used by garden historians for research.
Caspar David Friedrich’s Melancholy: A Study of the Melancholic Landscapes of the German Romantic Painter
Aedin Clynes
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
This is a dissertation of the life and work of the German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich, with particular study of his melancholic state and the impact this had on his art. After examining the causes for the artist’s mental state the chapters will focus on several works which have received little attention in the past; aiming to link the saturnine temperament of the artist with his landscape paintings.