Unravelling the origins of the Raphael Cartoons in the National Gallery of Ireland: An Investigation of the Origins of the NGI Cartoons and their Relationship to the Raphael Tapestry Cartoons in the V & A

Christine Carey
Trinity College Dublin
Department of History of Art and Architecture
2011
BA

Subject: Painting, Cartoons, Tapestry and Restoration
Country: Ireland and Italy
Period: 16th Century

10,000 words

This dissertation examines the origins of two full size tapestry cartoons in

the National Gallery of Ireland. Archival research was undertaken to provide documentary evidence for the provenance of the cartoons. An examination of the structure of the cartoons and a close visual analysis was carried out in order in order to provide objective criteria against which the Raphael tapestry cartoons in the V & A could be compared. The findings of this research were assimilated into a plausible historical context of tapestry and cartoon production. Overall findings suggest that the NGI cartoons are sixteenth century working tapestry cartoons, that were directly replicated from the Raphael tapestry cartoons by a process of spolvero. Their fluency and quality of painting suggest that an artist of note, who was familiar with the nuances of Raphael’s work and tapestry cartoons, was responsible for their execution.

Irish Georgian Society

Education Theses Register

Unravelling the origins of the Raphael Cartoons in the National Gallery of Ireland: An Investigation of the Origins of the NGI Cartoons and their Relationship to the Raphael Tapestry Cartoons in the V & A