Mindfulness and Art: Sackville Street, Dublin

Spend 5 minutes sitting in silence, looking at this watercolour.

Some things to reflect on while looking in silence:

\ How do you feel while looking at the watercolour?

\ What do you notice? What is your eye drawn to?

    The artist's lines and marks
    The composition
    The light
    The shadows
    The colours
    The forms and shapes
    The subject

\ What is the mood and atmosphere?

\ Why do you think the artist created the watercolour?

Michael Angelo Hayes (1820-1877), Sackville Street, Dublin, c.1853

Michael Angelo Hayes was born in Waterford and trained with his father, Edward Hayes (1797-1864). His principal interests were equine and military subjects. This view of Dublin's main thoroughfare, now known as O'Connell Street, offers a glimpse of how the city looked in the 1850s. The street abounds with activity, as people bustle amidst carts, carriages and omnibuses. Dominating the scene is the 40-metres-high landmark, 'Nelson's Pillar', erected in 1808. The pillar, made of Portland stone and topped with a statue of Admiral Nelson, was partially destroyed by a bomb in 1966, and demolished two days later by army engineers. In its place, the stainless steel Spire of Dublin (120 metres) stands as a symbol of hope and progress.

See this watercolour in our new virtual exhibition Irish Horse