The Irish Emigrants' Farewell (also known as The Departure of the Emigrant)
Print, specifically a large-scale steel engraving (mezzotint/mixed method) • After a painting by Thomas Faed (1826–1900); likely engraved by Frederick Stacpoole or a contemporary engraver of the London art trade.
Style & Movement
Victorian Narrative Realism / British Academic Art
Medium & Technique
Engraving on paper, likely employing a combination of etching, stipple, and mezzotint to achieve deep tonal gradations and textural detail.
Creation Period
Circa 1850s-1870s (Mid-Victorian period)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; approximately 24 x 34 inches (image size), housed in a larger period-style gilt frame.
Subject Description
A heart-wrenching scene depicting a multi-generational Irish family outside a thatched cottage, preparing for emigration. The composition features a kneeling mother embracing a child, an elderly woman in a shawl, and a young woman looking somberly toward the viewer. Symbolism includes a birdcage (domesticity being left behind), a dog looking on, and a distant rainbow signifying hope amidst sorrow.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the image appears stable with strong contrast, though there are signs of age-related toning (yellowing).
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $450 USD
Provenance History
Likely a 19th-century mass-market distribution through an art union or print seller; often found in middle-class Victorian homes as a symbol of social sentiment.
Art Historical Significance
Thomas Faed was a renowned Scottish painter whose depictions of the Scottish and Irish working class gained immense popularity. This work specifically addresses the social upheaval of the Highland Clearances and the Great Famine migrations, reflecting the Victorian era's fascination with 'pathos' and social commentary.
Notable Features
Excellent execution of atmospheric light, particularly the sun breaking through the clouds. The print captures the specific textures of the thatched roof and woven shawls with high fidelity typical of mid-century steel engraving.
Condition Issues
Visible browning/toning of the paper (acidification from original wood backing), minor foxing (small brown spots), and some light surface abrasions due to age. The matting appears modern, possibly masking further edge wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of acid-free, archival-quality matting and UV-protective glass. Avoid high-humidity environments to prevent further foxing. Professional de-acidification could lighten the paper if desired.