The Irish Stick In Art
While a few of these artist renderings leave the Irish in a bad light, I think it is worthwhile to give them all a look. Look as I might, I have not found any actual drawings of faction fights...hopefully that will change. I would be interested in finding out the source for Patrick O'Donnells book cover that I have used on the opening page of this website. if anyone knows the source or has any other good sources for Irish stick artwork, it would be much appreciated if they could send it my way.
I just recently picked this fantastic scan up from the net. As soon as I get more info about it I will post it.
This is a Post Card from the United States circa 1882, making an obvious prejudiced statement concerning the influx of Irish in America. Notice how Paddy almost looks like some species of subhuman.
Here we have the other end of the spectrum...cheerful, rosey cheeked, red-haired Irish Man and Woman doing a little jig, not a care in the world. I do not have a date for this but I believe it is from around the turn of the 20th century.
Finally....realism! This is a fantastic piece of work. I do believe it was done sometime in the mid 1840's. I would love to get my hands on more art of this type.
Great print from the 1840's The artists name was Wright. Interesting subject matter concerning the Devil coming to town with his fiddle. Aside from the obvious interesting subject...checkout the guy in the back left of the picture. He is holding his bata...not like a cane but in the fashion of the faction fighters of his day.
A scene of 1868 Dublin....not much to show here other than the carrying of sticks as being common even for those who had no need to use them as walking aids such as our friend in this print who carrys his over his shoulder.
Quaint...even cheesey little postcard from 1908 showing some stereotypes in their formative years.
Print from 1876 by an artist named Miller. Note the dancer holding his bata high in the fighting fashion of the Factions while dancing. The gentleman in the right foreground has his bata on the ground ever near.
Back
