Saorstát Eireann. The Great Seal. A circular drawing in grey wash and Indian ink, being the original artist's drawing for the Great Seal of Saorstát Eireann 'before alteration', by Archibald...

Saorstát Eireann. The Great Seal. A circular drawing in grey wash and Indian ink, being the original artist's drawing for the Great Seal of Saorstát Eireann 'before alteration', by Archibald McGoogan [1860-1931], circa 12 1/2 ins square, laid down on card, with manuscript identification rear, also with part of a printed article about the seal by Hugh Kennedy, Chief Justice.A handsome design featuring an Irish harp surrounded by Celtic scrolls and symbols. Presumably some alterations were made in the version actually commissioned. The Great Seal was the authenticating seal affixed to grants and other instruments issued by the State. 'The Seal of the Saorstát must be individual and characteristic, at once recognisable as of Ireland, and it must be dignified and worthy to speak for an ancient nation.' (Hugh Kennedy).Born in Co. Antrim, Archibald McGoogan moved to Dublin in the 1880s and worked in the Art Dept. of the National Museum in Kildare St. He was a regular exhibitor at the RHA and the Dublin Sketching Club (see Snoddy, pp. 380-81). Provenance: Collection of M.S.D. Westropp, Keeper of Antiquities at the National Museum (Dublin); by family descent.

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