These three panels of Aran Islanders were originally commissioned circa 1932 by Patrick and Ellen (Nellie) Rooney for Runnymede, the Arts and Crafts house they built at 22 Shrewbury Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin in 1908. One of the distinctive features of the building was the baronial-style Minstrel’s Hall, and it was for this space that the family commissioned MacGonigal to paint a mural cycle depicting scenes of traditional life in the Aran Islands, of which these three panels formed part. The paintings were all hung high in the gallery which is reflected in the use of bold primary colours and the perspective adopted by the artist. Taking influence from the frescos of the Renaissance MacGonigal sought to portray a traditional Irish way of life, that by this date was already changing, in a bid to create a sense of a national school of painting that would embody ideas of Irish Republicanism. When Runnymede was sold the panels were distributed amongst the family. Another painting of Aran Folk from the cycle was sold at Fonsie Mealey’s on 23 March 2022, lot 132 for 17,000 Euros.

Maurice MacGonigal was born in Dublin in 1900 and on leaving school was apprenticed to his uncle Joshua Clarke, the stained-glass manufacturer, alongside his cousin Harry Clarke. MacGonigal enlisted in Na Fianna Eireann in 1916, and later became a member of the IRA, participating in raids during the War of Independence. Arrested in 1920, he was interned in Ballykinlar Camp, Co. Down, for a year. After his release, he went back to the Clarke studios, but soon left to take up a scholarship at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art. Inspired by the paintings of Van Gogh during a visit to the Netherlands in 1927, MacGonigal returned to Ireland greatly taken with the concept of landscape painting expressing a sense of national identity. During the 1930s and 1940s, he did some of his finest work in the west of Ireland, depicting traditional Irish scenes and landscapes. The Meade commission inspired other group portraits, such as Dockers (1934, Hugh Lane Gallery). In 1939 he was commissioned to paint a large mural depicting Ireland’s contribution to American history for the Irish pavilion at the New York World’s Fair. MacGonigal exhibited regularly at the Royal Hibernian Academy, serving twice as Keeper, and in 1962 was appointed President. He also taught at the National College of Art, where he was Professor of Painting from 1954 to 1969.