Behind every great masterpiece lies a great story!
- 'Story of the Great Masters' - art & supper lecture series at the National Gallery of Ireland
7 October to 4 November 2004

Press Release, September 2004

Supported by Eagle Star Life

As part of its 150th birthday celebrations, the National Gallery of Ireland will present a special art and supper lecture series entitled 'The Story of the Great Masters'.

The series, which will take place this autumn every Thursday evening from 7 October to 4 November, will explore the story behind the creation of five masterpieces selected from the Gallery's collection by distinguished international speakers. Tickets are available from the Gallery Shop in the Millennium Wing (€35 per person per evening or €160 per season ticket). Advance bookings are recommended.
The series is supported by Eagle Star Life in association with Fitzers and the National Gallery of Ireland.

Commenting on their sponsorship of the series, Michael Brennan, Managing Director, Eagle Star Life said: "The Monet exhibition, which drew nearly 130,000 visitors, demonstrated the interest in the National Gallery amongst Eagle Star Life's customers. We are very pleased to continue our support for the Gallery through our sponsorship of 'The Story of the Great Masters' lecture series."

This new sponsorship is part of Eagle Star's continuing association with the National Gallery.

PROGRAMME:
Thursdays, 6.30pm, Lecture Theatre, followed by supper in the Gallery Restaurant.
Tickets (€35 each or €160 per season ticket) are on sale from the Gallery Shop (tel. 01-663 3518).

7 October
The Taking of Christ, 1602 by Caravaggio (1571-1610)
Sergio Benedetti, Keeper & Head Curator, National Gallery of Ireland

14 October
Doña Antonia Zárate, c.1605-06 by Francisco de Goya (1746-1828)
Dr. Manuela Mena Marques, Senior Curator, Prado Museum, Madrid

21 October
Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt, 1647 by Rembrandt (1606-69)
Professor Ernst van de Wetering, Rembrandt Research Project, University of Amsterdam

28 October
Sir John and Lady Clerk of Penicuik, 1791 by Henry Raeburn (1756-1823)
Dr. Duncan Thompson, former Director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery

4 November
The Artist's Studio: Lady Hazel Lavery with her daughter Alice and step-daughter Eileen, 1909-13 by Sir John Lavery (1856-1941)
Professor Kenneth McConkey, Dean of School of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Northumbria

For further information, contact: Valerie Keogh / Bill Maxwell
Press & Communications Office
Telephone 01-661 5133
Email: press@ngi.ie

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