A landmark of Irish modernism for a home with a story to tell.
The Virgin of Éire by Mainie Jellett brings together bold colour, Irish identity and modern design in one unforgettable work. At its centre are the Madonna and Child, flanked by Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid—reimagined through Jellett’s distinctive rhythm of geometric form and colour.
This is art that holds attention. Choose a smaller framed piece for a gallery wall, an unframed statement print for your own framing, or make the 60 × 90 cm format the focal point of a living room, hallway or study.
Irish modernist icon: A celebrated late work by Mainie Jellett (1897–1944), one of Ireland’s pioneering modern artists.
Original in a national collection: The original oil painting is held by the National Gallery of Ireland.
Made for your space: Available as an unframed print or ready-to-hang framed artwork in black, white or wood.
Free worldwide shipping: Every order is made to order and packed for safe delivery.
Choose your size and finish above to bring a defining work of Irish art home.
The story behind the work
Created in the early 1940s, The Virgin of Éire shows Mainie Jellett developing a distinctly Irish form of modernism. She drew on the clarity and rhythm of medieval Irish art while using Cubist ideas to organise colour, movement and form.
The Madonna and Child are balanced by Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid, joining Christian imagery with figures central to Irish cultural identity. The work was shown at the inaugural Irish Exhibition of Living Art in 1943—an important exhibition whose committee Jellett chaired.
About Mainie Jellett
Mainie Jellett (1897–1944) was one of the leading figures in Irish modern art. Born in Dublin, she studied under William Orpen before continuing her training in Paris with André Lhote and Albert Gleizes. Alongside Evie Hone, she exhibited some of the first abstract paintings shown in Ireland in 1923.
Choose the right size
30 × 45 cm / 12 × 18″: Ideal for a gallery wall, bedroom, reading corner or smaller space.
40 × 60 cm / 16 × 24″: A balanced option for a study, hallway or smaller feature wall.
60 × 90 cm / 24 × 36″: A statement format for above a sofa, sideboard, desk or fireplace.
100 × 150 cm / 40 × 60″: An oversized focal point for a large wall. Available unframed and shipped rolled in a protective tube.
Choose an unframed print to frame locally, or select a ready-to-hang frame in black, white or wood.
Print and frame details
Printed on archival matte, acid-free, FSC-certified 250gsm paper.
Off-white, uncoated finish selected to retain the character and detail of the artwork.
Framed options use a solid oak or ash wood frame with a 20mm profile.
Shatterproof protective glazing and hanging kit are included with framed prints.
Large unframed prints ship rolled in a protective tube.
About the original artwork
Artist: Mainie Jellett (Irish, 1897–1944)
Title:The Virgin of Éire
Date: 1940s
Medium: Oil on canvas
Original dimensions: 64 × 92 cm
Collection: National Gallery of Ireland, bequeathed 1978
Made to order. Delivered with care.
Every print is made to order and ships free worldwide from the fulfilment hub closest to you. Framed works are packed with protective corners and wrap, boxed with reinforced edges, and braced internally for safer delivery.
