Richard Moynan facts for kids
Richard Thomas Moynan (born April 27, 1856 – died April 10, 1906) was an important Irish painter. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, and began his art studies there at the Metropolitan School.
Moynan's Early Life and Art Studies
Richard Moynan first planned to become a doctor. However, he changed his mind just before his final exams. He decided to follow his passion for art instead. In 1879, he joined the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art. This school is now known as the National College of Art and Design.
Moynan quickly showed great talent. He won two important art awards: the Taylor and Cowper competitions. The Cowper award was given for the best drawing made from a live model.
In 1883, Moynan traveled to Antwerp, a city in Belgium. He studied at the Academy there with other Irish artists like Roderic O'Conor. After two years, in 1885, he moved to Paris, France, to continue his art education. By the late 1880s, Moynan returned to Dublin. He began showing his paintings and became a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1890.
Later Years and Artistic Works
In 1884, Richard Moynan married his cousin, Suzanna Mary Moynan. They had two children, Eileen Nora and Francis Henry. The family lived in Rathgar, a part of Dublin.
Moynan also worked as a political cartoonist for a Dublin newspaper called The Union. He used the pen name "Lex" for his cartoons. He was a well-known artist at the Royal Hibernian Academy. Some of his famous paintings shown there included "Bleak House," "A Travelling Show," and "Military Manoeuvres."
Towards the end of his life, Moynan faced health challenges. These issues made it difficult for him to create new art. He painted very little in his final years. His last known major painting was "The Death Of The Queen," completed in 1902. This painting showed people in Dublin reacting to the news of Queen Victoria's death. They are gathered around a newspaper boy, eager to read the news.
Richard Moynan passed away on April 10, 1906, at his home in Rathgar. He was 50 years old. He was buried in Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin.
After his death, Moynan's artwork continued to be shown in exhibitions. These included "The French Connection" in 2010 and "Ireland: Her People and Landscape" in 2012. His paintings often focused on themes of street children and Irish unionism.
