UCD professor co-curates first solo exhibition of Casimir Markievicz
28 April 2025
Professor Emily Mark-Fitzgerald, who co-curated the exhibition, speaking at the launch Credit: Rafal Kostrzewa
The first ever solo exhibition of Casimir Markievicz – the Polish husband of renowned Irish revolutionary, Constance Markievicz – has launched at Dublin Castle.
It was co-curated by (opens in a new window)Professor Emily Mark-Fitzgerald from the UCD School of Art History & Cultural Policy and UCD graduate Dr Katy Milligan of NCAD.
The exhibition showcases Casimir’s talents as a painter, playwright, and vibrant personality, highlighting his role in Dublin’s bohemian circles leading up to the Revolution.
Visitors have the opportunity to see over 80 artworks and artefacts loaned from major state collections such as the National Gallery of Ireland, as well as private lenders including Lissadell House.
The exhibition offers rarely seen depictions of and works by some of Markievicz’s most iconic contemporaries, including poet W.B. Yeats, writer George Russell (AE), and painter William Orpen.
Members of the Polish Markievicz family, who travelled to Dublin for the exhibition Credit: Rafal Kostrzewa
In addition to exploring Casimir’s connections to Ireland, Poland and Ukraine, the exhibition features photographs of Ukraine’s lands and people captured by Constance, as well as paintings of its countryside created by both artists. Many of these have not been seen in Ireland for more than a century.
Artur Michalski, the Polish ambassador, spoke at the exhibition’s launch, which was also attended by several members of the Markievicz family who travelled from Poland for the opening.
Organised in honour of Poland’s Presidency of the EU Council, the exhibition is a collaboration between the Office of Public Works and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Dublin.
“We’ve been thrilled by the public response to the exhibition, which has involved the participation of so many of our national cultural institutions as well as private lenders,” said Professor Mark-Fitzgerald.
“We are especially honoured by the presence of the Polish family of Casimir Markievicz, who have received a very warm Dublin welcome and are delighted to bring his life and legacy back to Ireland.”
The exhibition continues until mid-September.
By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
