Description
George Francis Mulvany (1809 - 1869, Ireland), Portrait of Michael Kelly (1762-1826), Irish actor, tenor, composer and theater manager. Framed oil painting on canvas. Period frame measures 41" x 33". Actual painting measures 35" x 27".
As found on National Gallery of Ireland:
A portrait artist of note, George Francis Mulvany was the first director of the National Gallery of Ireland. Part of a prolific artistic family working in Ireland throughout the nineteenth century, Mulvany studied at the Royal Hibernian Academy schools in Dublin, before spending a period of time travelling in Italy and France.
Following the success of the Irish Industrial Exhibition in 1853, Mulvany was part of the campaign to establish the Gallery, and was appointed Director in 1862. His first important task was to assemble a collection of pictures for the Gallery's grand opening in 1864, chiefly bringing together old master works from the Italian, Flemish, German, and French schools.
In addition to authoring the Gallery's first catalogue, Mulvany also played an important role in establishing the Gallery's library and archive, donating several of its first publications. His dedication to the promotion of fine art is captured in his belief that the Gallery was 'an institution ... destined to be of great national benefit.'
10616-146
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent condition,
Origin:
Ireland
Materials & Techniques:
Canvas, Oil Paint
Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Art Subjects: Portrait
Frame Type: Framed
Country of Origin: Ireland
As found on National Gallery of Ireland:
A portrait artist of note, George Francis Mulvany was the first director of the National Gallery of Ireland. Part of a prolific artistic family working in Ireland throughout the nineteenth century, Mulvany studied at the Royal Hibernian Academy schools in Dublin, before spending a period of time travelling in Italy and France.
Following the success of the Irish Industrial Exhibition in 1853, Mulvany was part of the campaign to establish the Gallery, and was appointed Director in 1862. His first important task was to assemble a collection of pictures for the Gallery's grand opening in 1864, chiefly bringing together old master works from the Italian, Flemish, German, and French schools.
In addition to authoring the Gallery's first catalogue, Mulvany also played an important role in establishing the Gallery's library and archive, donating several of its first publications. His dedication to the promotion of fine art is captured in his belief that the Gallery was 'an institution ... destined to be of great national benefit.'
10616-146
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent condition,
Origin:
Ireland
Materials & Techniques:
Canvas, Oil Paint
Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Art Subjects: Portrait
Frame Type: Framed
Country of Origin: Ireland
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Excellent condition,
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
44 x 33 x 2 in
George Francis Mulvany Antique Oil Painting Portrait of Actor Michael Kelly (1762-1826)
Estimate $3,400-$5,400
Starting Price
$1,700
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Curated Art Treasures
Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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