Drawn to the Page

Title of artwork:

The Revealer

Artist:

Campbell, Joseph (MacCathmhaoil, Seosamh)

Materials:

Paper (fiber material), Ink

Techniques:

Photoengraving

Engraver:

Photographic process

Author:

Campbell, Joseph

Title of Publication:

Earth of Cualann

Publisher:

Maunsel and Co.

Publication place:

Dublin & London

Publication date:

1917

Curator Comment:

Joseph Campbell (Seosamh Mac Cathmhaoil) was a poet, writer and illustrator. 'Earth of Cualann', was published by Maunsel and Co. in 1918 and comprises a selection of poems and twenty one illustrations by the author. Produced in limited edition on heavy paper and illustrated with photo-engravings after Campbell's drawings, it is a fine example of Irish Arts and Crafts publishing.

Note on artwork:

As leading figure in Irish cultural revival, Campbell’s illustrations, reflecting his text, evoke a lyrical sense of Irishness. The designs for ‘Earth of Cualann’ are small, descriptive and richly detailed. They echo the bold graphic style employed at the Cuala Press, and later the illustrations for the ‘Saorstát Eireann: Irish Free State official handbook’(1932). This image, relating directly to the text, reflects Patrick Pearse's ideas of 'blood sacrifice'. The skull, a perennial 'momento mori' symbol, is juxtaposed with an ancient sword.

References:

DIB online