About the Artwork
Step into 19th-century Galway with this evocative reproduction print of Women on a Galway Quayside, painted by one of Ireland’s most celebrated artists, Walter Osborne.
Originally created in 1893, this work captures a quiet, powerful moment among Claddagh women, huddled on the edge of the quayside, lost in conversation. True to Osborne’s sensitive style, the figures are rendered from a respectful distance — reflecting both the artist’s shyness and the reserved nature of his subjects. The scene offers a rare, intimate glimpse into daily life in the West of Ireland at the time, imbued with the textures of community, tradition, and resilience.
Osborne, recently returned from England, was captivated by the rugged charm of Galway and Connemara. His sketches and paintings from this period, though modest in scale, are rich in authenticity and cultural significance. This print, based on one of his most poignant studies, channels the spirit of the Irish west through soft palettes, natural light, and an atmosphere of timeless storytelling.
Collection: National Gallery of Ireland.
