Journal of Art Historiography (Dec 2013)
‘Introductory essay: writing Irish art histories’
Abstract
This introductory essay explores some of the critical contexts for an exploration of the historiography of Irish art. It argues that the discipline is currently undergoing a period of revision and redefinition, evidenced by recent exhibitions, interventions by artists, and academic projects such as the Royal Irish Academy’s forthcoming Art and Architecture of Ireland multi-volume publication. Introducing the different essays within this section on the historiography of Irish art, the need for close attention to systems and canons of value around practices of writing about art in Ireland is emphasised. This is particularly important, given the conditions of the development of the discipline from the mid-nineteenth century. Finally, further areas for exploration and investigation in the critical historiography of Irish art are suggested, including the impact and future role of digital technologies.
