I DO LIKE THIS SCULPTURE
The bust of Michael Collins you're referring to was created by sculptor Dick Joynt and was commissioned by the Fine Gael political party to commemorate the centenary of Collins' birth in 1990. It was originally located in the central area of Merrion Square Park, but was later relocated to a less prominent position.
There is no historical record of Michael Collins suffering any significant facial injury that would result in a misshapen mouth. It's likely an artistic interpretation by the sculptor, or perhaps an unintentional flaw in the casting process.
The relocation of the statue within the park was part of a broader redesign in the mid-2010s. Many of the statues in Merrion Square were repositioned to create a more open and accessible space. The old lamp standards, which were a distinctive feature of the park, were also removed during this time.
The bust has been a subject of some controversy due to its perceived unflattering portrayal of Collins. However, it remains a significant monument commemorating a key figure in Irish history. Despite its aesthetic critiques, the bust serves as a reminder of Collins' pivotal role in Ireland's struggle for independence and his enduring legacy.
Dick Joynt (1938 - 2003) was a renowned Irish sculptor known for his stone carved sculptures. He was born in Clontarf, Dublin in 1938. Initially, he trained as a painter and turned to sculpture after joining the Dublin Art Foundry in 1972. He developed his own distinctive, rugged style that set him apart from any passing trends. Though often huge, his works tended to explore various aspects of humanity.
Throughout his career, Joynt’s reputation as a sculptor grew through group shows and one-man exhibitions, winning him an increasing number of commissions, both public and private. His work has been offered at auction multiple times, with realised prices ranging from 65 USD to 14,687 USD, depending on the size and medium of the artwork.
In addition to the bust of Michael Collins, here are some other examples of public art by Dick Joynt:
‘The Music Makers’ in Kenmare.
‘The Ram’, which is familiar to road users near Bray.
‘The Horse’, a nine feet high piece of Kilkenny limestone, unveiled in the grounds of the Bewley’s hotel in Ballsbridge.
These works showcase Joynt’s unique style and his ability to transform a block of stone into a meaningful piece of art. His sculptures are not only visually stunning but also resonate with their surroundings and have significance for the people that engage with them.
NOTE: Rachel Joynt is the daughter of Dick Joynt. Both of them are renowned Irish sculptors. Rachel Joynt was born in 1966 in County Kerry and graduated from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin in 1989 with a degree in sculpture. They have both created some prominent Irish public art and I plan to publish photographs of their work over the next few weeks.
There is no historical record of Michael Collins suffering any significant facial injury that would result in a misshapen mouth. It's likely an artistic interpretation by the sculptor, or perhaps an unintentional flaw in the casting process.
The relocation of the statue within the park was part of a broader redesign in the mid-2010s. Many of the statues in Merrion Square were repositioned to create a more open and accessible space. The old lamp standards, which were a distinctive feature of the park, were also removed during this time.
The bust has been a subject of some controversy due to its perceived unflattering portrayal of Collins. However, it remains a significant monument commemorating a key figure in Irish history. Despite its aesthetic critiques, the bust serves as a reminder of Collins' pivotal role in Ireland's struggle for independence and his enduring legacy.
Dick Joynt (1938 - 2003) was a renowned Irish sculptor known for his stone carved sculptures. He was born in Clontarf, Dublin in 1938. Initially, he trained as a painter and turned to sculpture after joining the Dublin Art Foundry in 1972. He developed his own distinctive, rugged style that set him apart from any passing trends. Though often huge, his works tended to explore various aspects of humanity.
Throughout his career, Joynt’s reputation as a sculptor grew through group shows and one-man exhibitions, winning him an increasing number of commissions, both public and private. His work has been offered at auction multiple times, with realised prices ranging from 65 USD to 14,687 USD, depending on the size and medium of the artwork.
In addition to the bust of Michael Collins, here are some other examples of public art by Dick Joynt:
‘The Music Makers’ in Kenmare.
‘The Ram’, which is familiar to road users near Bray.
‘The Horse’, a nine feet high piece of Kilkenny limestone, unveiled in the grounds of the Bewley’s hotel in Ballsbridge.
These works showcase Joynt’s unique style and his ability to transform a block of stone into a meaningful piece of art. His sculptures are not only visually stunning but also resonate with their surroundings and have significance for the people that engage with them.
NOTE: Rachel Joynt is the daughter of Dick Joynt. Both of them are renowned Irish sculptors. Rachel Joynt was born in 1966 in County Kerry and graduated from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin in 1989 with a degree in sculpture. They have both created some prominent Irish public art and I plan to publish photographs of their work over the next few weeks.
I DO LIKE THIS SCULPTURE