Friends Fortnight 2025: Legal episodes in the national collection

A free talk for Friends of the Gallery, part of Friends Fortnight 2026. 

In this talk, art historian Valerie Alexander will look at how justice, crime and punishment were represented in art, from the Renaissance to the present.

The talk will focus around a selection of twelve works, some of which are familiar highlights of the Gallery's collection, while others are less well-known but have acquired a certain notoriety! The selection includes prominent figures from seventeenth century to the present:  lawyers, plaintiffs, witnesses, and court scenes. Perhaps surprisingly, the Gallery is not lacking in criminal history, from the scenes or sitters portrayed in works in the collection, the life of the artist, the acquisition of a work, and more.

How to take part

• To experience the full festival you must become a Friend of the National Gallery of Ireland. Anyone can become a Friend in minutes, online, over the phone, or in person in the Gallery. Become a member of the Friends today!
• Members can book their free tickets at the link above.