Dublin, Ireland - This ‘in-focus’ display will explore the exceptional talents of three master painters of the Delft School: Carel Fabritius (1622-54), Pieter de Hooch (1629-84), and Johannes Vermeer (1632-75). Fabritius’s painting of ‘The Goldfinch’ (1654), is one of the most delightful and charming pictures in the collection of The Mauritshuis in The Hague. On exhibition 14 February through 24 May, 2009 at the National Gallery of Ireland.

Finches were popular pets in Holland and the sub-title of the work ‘Het Puttertje’ means the little water-drawer. It will be displayed alongside ‘The Courtyard of a House in Delft’ (1658) by Pieter de Hooch, considered one of the most accomplished painters of genre scenes of the Dutch Golden Age. De Hooch’s celebrated painting from the collection of The National Gallery, London, is a fine example of the artist’s mastery of natural light and perspective. Complementing these two paintings will be the Gallery’s masterpiece, ‘Woman writing a Letter with her Maid’ (c.1670) by Vermeer.

EXHIBITION OPENING MARCH 2009

‘Thomas Roberts (1748-77)’ -  28 March 2009 - 28 June 2009 National Gallery of Ireland (Millennium Wing)

How to find us:

National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West & Clare Street, Dublin 2

Tel: +353 (0)1 661 5133 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Website : www.nationalgallery.ie