Silkwork of Irish Interest-Erin Go Bragh: Patriotic Irish Silkwork Panel

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Fine Silkwork of Irish Interest:
Erin Go Bragh: Patriotic Irish Silkwork Panel
Date: mid-to-late 1800s

Historical Context and Interpretation of … Read more Fine Silkwork of Irish Interest:
Erin Go Bragh: Patriotic Irish Silkwork Panel
Date: mid-to-late 1800s

Historical Context and Interpretation of Symbols

This silkwork is more than just decorative; it's a powerful political statement created at a time when Irish nationalism was on the rise, particularly after the 1800 Act of Union abolished the Irish Parliament. The mottoes and symbols align the piece with the Home Rule and Fenian movements of the Victorian era.

The Mottoes
"GOD SAVE IRELAND": This is a direct reference to a famous Irish rebel song that became the unofficial national anthem for Irish nationalists from the 1870s to the 1910s. The phrase originated as the defiant last words of the Manchester Martyrs—three Fenian activists executed in 1867. Its presence firmly dates the work to the post-1867 era and signifies allegiance to the nationalist cause.

"ORIN GO BRAGH": This is an anglicization of the Irish phrase "Éirinn go Brách," which translates to "Ireland Forever." It was a central rallying cry for nationalist movements, including the Society of United Irishmen in the late 18th century and later groups.

Key Irish Symbols
The central design cleverly incorporates iconography that represents the history, culture, and traditional four provinces of Ireland:

The Roundel Shield: This central element, quartered in a style reminiscent of a coat of arms, likely represents a unified Ireland:

The Red Hand (Top Right): This is the famous 'Red Hand of Ulster' (Lámh Dhearg Uladh), the most recognizable heraldic symbol for the province of Ulster.

The Harp (Bottom Right): The Gaelic Harp is the official national emblem of Ireland and is associated with the province of Leinster.

The Three Pots/Crowns (Bottom Left): The emblem of three crowns or pots often represents the province of Munster.

The Eagle's Wing (Top Left): The symbols of an eagle's wing and a closed fish are less common but are often found in variations of the provincial arms of Connacht, which traditionally uses a divided field with an eagle and an arm holding a sword.

The Gaelic Harp: Appearing both in the central roundel and as a large silver-thread motif on the right, it is the classic symbol of Ireland.

The Celtic Cross (Top Left Flag): A traditional Irish and Christian symbol, often a marker of Irish identity and heritage.

The Round Tower (Top Right): A representation of Ireland's early medieval Christian history, signifying the long, unbroken history of the Irish people.

The Cat-Like Creature (Lower Left): Lying on the ground, this creature is likely intended to be an Irish Wolfhound (a common national symbol of loyalty, courage, and strength), though its embroidered form closely resembles a feline. Alternatively, its sphinx-like pose and prominence suggest it could be a reference to the mythical Cait Sidhe (Fairy Cat) of Celtic folklore, often associated with mystery and the supernatural, a fitting touch for a romantic nationalist piece.

Shamrocks: The shamrock, seen sewn onto the blue flags, is a widely recognized national emblem, traditionally said to have been used by Saint Patrick to explain the Christian Holy Trinity.

The entire composition, with its rays of light and symbolic banners, creates a powerful, optimistic image of a proud, independent, and united Ireland.


Medium: Silk and various threads (including silver thread) embroidery on fabric, set in a shaped dark wood frame with museum glass.

Dimensions: Framed: 17 1/4 inches high x 21 1/4 inches wide x 1 1/4 inches

Condition: Excellent, professionally preserved with Museum Glass.

(Ref: NY10905-pmrx) See less