***Please note: this is ceramic with a 'bronzed' finish rather than bronze***A BRONZED DEATH MASK OF DANIEL O'CONNELL (1775 - 1847)mounted on a circular board. 62cm diameterThis reputed death mask of Daniel O’ Connell is identical in form, matching the one recently gifted to the state by the Countess of Dunraven. O’Connell, regarded as one the great figures of modern Irish history, died in 1847 in Genoa, Italy, while on a pilgrimage to Rome at the age of seventy-one. O’Connell said on his deathbed, “My body to Ireland, my heart to Rome, my soul to God,” and his dying wish was granted. His heart was carried to Rome, and his body was brought back to Ireland and buried in Glasnevin, where a stately pillar-tower, after the model of round towers of old, now marks his resting place. Creating a death mask was common at the time and they were often used as a reference by sculptors and artists when creating busts and paintings. The pose of the death mask that was presented to the state, matching this lot, is unusual in that it includes the shape of his hair and open eyes.