Gabriel Beranger facts for kids
Gabriel Beranger (born 1725, died 1817) was a talented artist from the Netherlands. He is famous for his many drawings and paintings that show old buildings and historical sites in Ireland. His work helps us see what these places looked like a long time ago.
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About Gabriel Beranger's Life
Gabriel Beranger was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on March 9, 1725. His parents, Henry Beranger and Marie le Duc, were from a group called Huguenots. These were French Protestants who had to leave France because of their religion.
In 1760, when he was about 35, Gabriel moved to Ireland to live with his family members there.
Starting His Art Career
In Dublin, Gabriel opened his own shop. It was a "print shop and artist's warehouse." This means he sold art supplies and printed pictures. He worked as an artist, creating many beautiful pieces.
Two important people, Charles Vallancey and William Conyngham, liked his work. They became his "patrons," which means they supported him and helped him get a job. They found him a government job in the Dublin exchequer office, which handled money for the government.
Later Years and Legacy
Later in his life, Gabriel Beranger became financially independent. This happened after he received money from his brother-in-law. He lived to be 91 or 92 years old. He was buried in the French burial-ground in Dublin.
In 2023, a group of apartments in the Clonskeagh area of South County Dublin was named Beranger House. This was done to honor the artist and his contributions.
Gabriel Beranger's Artworks
Gabriel Beranger drew many "antiquities" in Dublin and nearby areas. Antiquities are very old buildings, monuments, or objects. Later, he went on sketching tours with another French artist named Angelo Bigari. They traveled through different parts of Ireland, including Leinster, Connaught, and Ulster.
Many of his drawings also include descriptions. These notes tell us about the places and people he visited. He put his drawings and descriptions into special books. He hoped to publish these books one day. Most of these books are now kept in Dublin, at places like the Royal Irish Academy.
His drawings are very important because they show us what ancient buildings and stone monuments looked like. Many of these old structures have since fallen apart or been destroyed. A famous artist named George Petrie used Beranger's drawings. He included them in his own book about the round towers of Ireland.
