The arrival of the Anglo-Norman Strongbow in Ireland depicted in painting.

Conference
The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife by Daniel Maclise

This monumental work by Irish painter Daniel Maclise depicts a significant episode in Irish medieval history: the capture of Waterford in 1170 by the Anglo-Norman Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow, followed by his marriage to Aoife, daughter of Dermot MacMurrough, king of Leinster.
In the 1160s, Dermot MacMurrough struggles to retain his power and is forced into exile. To reclaim his kingdom, he seeks the help of Strongbow. In exchange for his military support, he promises him the hand of his daughter Aoife as well as rights over his territory. This alliance paves the way for the lasting settlement of the Anglo-Normans in Ireland.
Created in the 19th century, the work also reflects the concerns of its time. It is often interpreted by supporters of the Irish national cause as a symbol of the first English intervention on Irish soil and the beginning of a long history of political domination.

Thanks to the digitized collections of the Micro-Folie network, this exceptional painting conserved at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin reveals all its rich details. Its discovery is part of the Millennium project and allows for the exploration of the historical links that unite Normandy, England, and Ireland through a major event of the Middle Ages.

Conference led by Chloé Gautier, tour guide

Practical information:
For informed audiences
Duration: 1 hour
Free
Contact

Partnerships: Micro-Folie of Pont-l'Évêque, Micro-Folie of Évreux (Mediatheque of Nétreville), Micro-Folie of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray - (Mediatheque Elsa Triolet).