Description
This is a photoetched Copper Etching of O’Donovan Rossa.
Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa (Irish Diarmuid Ó Donnabháin Rosa; baptised 4 September 1831, died 29 June 1915) was an Irish Fenian leader and member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.
This Photo Etching is made from an original photo from his prison mugshot from the 1860’s ( I think ) and to me reflects the defiance in his life. His eyes show a sadness, anger but ultimately an unbreakable spirit.
Born and raised in Rosscarbery, West Cork of County Cork in the South of Ireland during the Great Irish Famine. O’Donovan founded the Phoenix National and Literary Society and dedicated his life to working towards the establishment of an independent Irish Republic. He joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood and after fleeing to the United States as part of the Cuba Five, he joined Irish revolutionary organisations there, beyond the reach of the British Empire. He was a pioneer in physical force Irish republicanism utilising dynamite in a campaign of asymmetrical warfare, hitting the British Empire on its home territory, primarily London.
There is a great documentary by his Great Grandson called Rebel Rossa , well worth a look.
This is a new Etching process called Photo Etching.
Basically, on a polished copper surface is etched an image with the etched areas treated with a patina (a chemical) that permanently turns the recessed areas black and brown and the unetched areas left with the copper shining through.
This Artwork will literally last hundreds of years due to the way it was made.
The Pictures above are from all the same Piece, just taken under different light conditions. To get the best viewing of your Artwork try displaying it in various places with different lighting . Copper reflects light easily and I have found works best with indirect light shining on it.
The Work is sealed with a clear acrylic spray to protect the patination. It is framed with a Dark Walnut Frame as in the Picture.
Size of Artwork – (framed) 37.5 x 28.5 cms – 15 x 11 inches