Article contents.
Advanced Lighting techniques for Miniature Painting
Disclaimer: These techniques work for me. or Why does your OSL look so good?
The secret is it is not about the OSL, its about the lighting itself. Read on, and be illuminated.
I use Zenithal Lighting, Ambient Occlusion and Diffuse Interreflection.
Most people will be familiar with Zenithal Lighting, most people undercoating with an airbrush or similar spray techniques can take advantage of the basic global illumination information your model will recieve.
It works in a similar way to pre shading, which is a technique that scale military modellers have used for ages.
The secret is it is not about the OSL, its about the lighting itself. Read on, and be illuminated.
I use Zenithal Lighting, Ambient Occlusion and Diffuse Interreflection.
Most people will be familiar with Zenithal Lighting, most people undercoating with an airbrush or similar spray techniques can take advantage of the basic global illumination information your model will recieve.
It works in a similar way to pre shading, which is a technique that scale military modellers have used for ages.
In the above picture we can see the 3 basic types of lighting information you get from Zenithal Lighting.
Highlight
Halftone
Core Shadow (Shadow)
Ambient Occlusion is where you then find the panel lines and creases that with never recieve ambient light, and make sure that they are in shadow.
Highlight
Halftone
Core Shadow (Shadow)
Ambient Occlusion is where you then find the panel lines and creases that with never recieve ambient light, and make sure that they are in shadow.
As you can see in the above image, both objects have radiosity lighting information applied to them, however the one on the right has so much more visual depth.
This is achieved with careful washes and fine lining, as well as being careful with your airbrush in the Zenithal Lighting pass.
The important point is that we are talking about ambient, and not directional light. It is quite possible for direct light sources to fully illuminate a shallow crease with full light value.
Ambient Occlusion also gives perceptual clues of depth, form, curvature and spatial proximity. The key is asking yourself "would light ever get there?"
Diffuse Interreflection (DI) is in simple terms colour information in shadow.
This is achieved with careful washes and fine lining, as well as being careful with your airbrush in the Zenithal Lighting pass.
The important point is that we are talking about ambient, and not directional light. It is quite possible for direct light sources to fully illuminate a shallow crease with full light value.
Ambient Occlusion also gives perceptual clues of depth, form, curvature and spatial proximity. The key is asking yourself "would light ever get there?"
Diffuse Interreflection (DI) is in simple terms colour information in shadow.
In our above light value sphere you see the "reflected light" notation. This is where you see Diffuse Interreflection.
In this example it is grey scale.
Yet it doesn't have to be. In nature there are very few true black shadows, ambient occlusion not withstanding.
You can have colour information in your shadows, and in fact you can use that to your advantage to create a greater visual complexity to your model without a lot of work.
After the Zenithal pass, I will then go in and place my DI colours with my airbrush in a 35deg up angle to the model. This will change the colour value of the shadows, but not thier lighting value.
The key is to choose the right colour.
For the most part you are looking at the ambient colour around the shadowed area. Some times it is the ground, some times it is the colour of the immediate opposite surface. Take the time to think about it.
Another method is to take the directly opposite colour on the colour wheel and use that. This will have the effect of enriching and enhancing the colour you are using in that area. This is an example of using a complementary colour. (see below)
In this example it is grey scale.
Yet it doesn't have to be. In nature there are very few true black shadows, ambient occlusion not withstanding.
You can have colour information in your shadows, and in fact you can use that to your advantage to create a greater visual complexity to your model without a lot of work.
After the Zenithal pass, I will then go in and place my DI colours with my airbrush in a 35deg up angle to the model. This will change the colour value of the shadows, but not thier lighting value.
The key is to choose the right colour.
For the most part you are looking at the ambient colour around the shadowed area. Some times it is the ground, some times it is the colour of the immediate opposite surface. Take the time to think about it.
Another method is to take the directly opposite colour on the colour wheel and use that. This will have the effect of enriching and enhancing the colour you are using in that area. This is an example of using a complementary colour. (see below)
On a related note if you are using a colour wheel as a way to establish a colour scheme, keep in mind that your base needs to be part of that equation. I used a triadic method (see above) to establish my scheme. Not all the colours used are immediately obvious, but remember you can use a desaturated colour in your scheme.
Ok
Now that you see how I go about painting my models, the application of the OSL technique is quite incidental.
Once you have your light source colour chosen (See above about colour wheels) then with a gentle hand and a 3 step gradient you can get a very good effect, basically because of the way the airbrushed OSL "interacts" with all the lighting information or radiosity your model has already.
For me good OSL is less about the technique itself and more about the preparation.
I hope this helps
Anthony Clare
Ok
Now that you see how I go about painting my models, the application of the OSL technique is quite incidental.
Once you have your light source colour chosen (See above about colour wheels) then with a gentle hand and a 3 step gradient you can get a very good effect, basically because of the way the airbrushed OSL "interacts" with all the lighting information or radiosity your model has already.
For me good OSL is less about the technique itself and more about the preparation.
I hope this helps
Anthony Clare
De-Sexing and Irish Wolfhounds
De-sexing and Irish Wolfhounds: An opinion piece.
Irish Wolfhound mortality
I am unashamed of my love of my Irish Wolfhounds. They enrich my life in ways that I had not have thought possible until they entered my life. At the time of taking my first Wolfhound home I was no stranger to dogs, and no stranger to giant breeds and all the issues that come with them.
I had the pleasure of sharing the life of a Blue Great Dane. Hanselmann Durendal. She lived to a ripe age of 11 and some months, and it was not her great heart that gave out , but sadly her hind assembly. She lived through her last spring, and when I decided it was time, we spent the afternoon together in the side paddock eating cake. And when the gentle spring sun had sunk below the horizon our local vet came to our house and I bid her fare well.
For her never Death
Recall spring my love and sleep
Storm iron, her beauty
It tightens my chest whenever I think about her. But when I see another Dane I just have to go over with our Wolfhounds and say hello. The conversation invariably turns at some point to my having had a Dane as well, and every time I get the same shocked response when I say how old she was at her passing. 11 years with change was never enough.
Getting back to our beloved Irish Wolfhounds. The reason I explain about the passing of my Dane, is to say that I am no stranger to the mortality of our giant companions, and the medical complications that can befall them. Even forearmed as I thought I was regarding giant breeds, the mortality issues surrounding Irish Wolfhounds came as a shock.
Major causes
If you are reading this, then you know the major causes of mortality in Irish Wolfhounds, and if you do not, this is not intended to incite fear. However for the general audience I will list them in order of likelihood.
Cancer
Cardio vascular disease
Gastric Dilation Volvulus
Arthritis
Cancer is attributed to roughly 33.9% of deaths in Irish Wolfhounds. Osteogenic sarcoma is by far the biggest threat accounting for around 22% or (61% of all cancer deaths), followed by lymphosarcoma at 5.3% or (15.7% of all cancer deaths). Mammary cancer 1%, Lung cancer 0.75%, Stomach cancer 0.3% and 0.2% for skin, intestinal and uterine cancers. Around 4.5% of cancer related deaths were of unknown origin, or the diagnosis was in question. Regardless of this fact we can very clearly see the major contributor is Osteosarcoma.
Cardio Vascular related diseases account for 15.1% of total deaths, many of the dogs in the study group simply dropped dead. This is something that we see in Danes as well. A seemingly healthy specimen twitches and gives a little whimper and is gone.
There are some very interesting global initiatives regarding cardiovascular issues in Irish Wolfhounds. This may be a topic for further discussion.
Gastric Dilation Volvulus or “Bloat” is the one we were told about most when discussing giant breeds. It was greatly stressed what to do and what not to do. The issue was that there didn’t seem to be any single indicator that would lead to bloat. In some cases it seemed dietary, in others exercise before or after eating or drinking. In other cases no real indicator at all other than the symptoms.
Needless to say, according to statistical data Bloat accounts for around 11.7% of Irish Wolfhound deaths. It was not until I did my own research in to the breed that I found out that osteo sarcoma was a far more likely cause of death. Why “Bloat” gets the lion’s share of the boogy man scares is beyond me, maybe it is because people think that it is preventable, and thus are proactive about it. I know that in some cases it is not at all preventable, even after the use of stapling.
Arthritis and issues with Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture while two different things, are usually effectively the same when it comes to reasons of death. These two issues effect the quality of life of our companions, and as a result we euthanize them to spare them suffering. Over all the data from the Bernardi study suggests 5% of Irish Wolfhounds are euthanized as a result of these issues.
Irish Wolfhound development as we know is a wonderful thing. They start life as tiny bundles and then just grow, and keep on growing. Up until 12 months of age the growth is quite apparent. Then it slows down. After 12 months to 24 months height and weight gain are much more gradual, with strange spurts and surges sometimes evident as they grow through their teenage years. We all know this and have seen it. What may not be so clear is the difference in the development of entire and de-sexed Irish Wolfhounds.
Hormones are a natural part of the dog species, they are required for all physiological aspects of a dog’s growth and development, both external and internal. In a breed that is at risk to osteo related issues, anything that disrupts the development of the skeletal structure should be avoided. And we know that early de-sexing effects the growth plates in dogs. De-sexed animals are usually taller and rangier than their entire contemporaries. Apart from the growth plates and thus the skeletal structure of the dog being affected, we also have biometric changes and resulting stresses on joints and the musculature of the dog. This is something to be avoided at all costs. I have personally seen these physical effects of early de-sexing in Irish Wolfhounds, and wouldn’t want to see those disorders develop in any of mine
The Irish Wolfhound is at the very edge of canine physiology. An interesting comparison between the skull of the Dire Wolf or canis dirus and the Irish Wolfhound is that they are of the same size and general shape, the dire wolf skull has a more pronounced zygomatic arches (cheek bones) and a more pronounced sagittal crest down the midline of the skull. Both animals are of a similar size, with the Wolfhound in general being heavier. The Dire Wolf was the largest recognisable wild member of the canidae family. I point this out to illustrate just how far the physiology of the Irish Wolfhound is removed from even the extremes in wild canids. To achieve this there is some very complex combinations of genes and nurture at work. I would be hesitant to upset this balance in any way.
Neutering/de-sexing changes the hormones and thus the physiology of dogs. This being the case, how are we affecting the mortality of Irish Wolfhounds when we change their physiology in such a fundamental way. In short let us look at the results of studies as they pertain to breeds of dogs with the same causes of mortality. And how early de-sexing affects these causes of mortality.
First let us look at de-sexed/ neutered animals. By neutering Irish Wolfhounds what health/longevity risks are we mitigating?
In male dogs we have
Testicular cancer
Prostate disorders
In female dogs we have
A reduction of mammary tumours
Pyometra is almost eliminated
Removes a small risk from ovarian, cervical and uterine tumours
At the face of it, the mitigation of these risks is a good thing. However to what degree are these issues affecting Irish Wolfhound mortality rates?
Combined cancers and tumours for both sexes account for 1.2% of Irish Wolfhound deaths. While Pyometra is the cause of 1% of deaths in all female dogs, and even if the instance of Pyometra is higher in Irish Wolfhounds, it is not high enough to affect overall mortality statistics. Anecdotally, I know of breeders with 35 years breeding experience that had a total of two bitches with cases of pyometra. Neither of which was fatal.
2.5% of causes of Irish Wolfhound mortality will be mitigated by neutering your dog. Let us take a look the other side.
By leaving Irish Wolfhounds entire what health/longevity risks are we mitigating?
In male and female dogs -
We see a reduced chance of osteosarcoma (de-sexed dogs increased risk of osteosarcoma by a factor of 3.45)
Much reduced chance of obesity, a common health problem in dogs with many associated health problems, particularly in regard to an already stressed skeletal structure.
Reduction in heart disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and cardiovascular disease
Reduction in orthopaedic disorders. Growth plates close at different times, and a de-sexed animal’s growth plates in the leg bones specifically stay open much longer. This can cause disproportion in the animal’s structure, thereby impacting skeletal integrity and negatively impacting the long term durability of the joint.
Reduced risk of poor reaction to vaccinations
Reduced risk of geriatric Cognitive Impairment (disorientation indoors or outside, loss of house training, and behavioural changes in social interactions)
In female dogs we have
Reduced urinary incontinence (which in de-sexed females is as high as 20%)
Reduced Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Early de-sexing can cause abnormal development of external genitalia, this in turn increases the instances of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis, vaginitus and UTIs
Consider the reduction in risks of osteosarcoma, cardio vascular disease and arthritis for a moment. These as we know account for 41.3% of Irish Wolfhound deaths. And compare that to the 2.5% of deaths mitigated by neutering of your Irish Wolfhounds. Leaving your dog entire is a much healthier choice for the dog.
Consider the ANKC ruling that Irish Wolfhound bitches are not to be bred from until they are 2 years old. Inferring that the dog is not physically mature until that age.
Consider that the complex part the hormones in your hound contribute to every part of their development.
Consider the impact on the longevity of this breed, if we cannot find ways to raise the age by which our Irish Wolfhounds leave us? Not everyone can stand to go through the pain of that again, and will not purchase another. This does not help to popularise the breed.
Consider your responsibility as an owner/breeder/companion of this animal, and prepare yourself for seasons and things that would otherwise inconvenience you if your dog is entire. Protect yourself and your hound with correct measures in place to ensure the security of your bitch during her season.
And lastly please consider your options of tubal ligation if birth control is an issue for you, and if you must de-sex consider doing it only after your hound is fully mature. ie two years old or more.
This is my opinion on the subject at hand, the literature is out there on the subject. Please conduct you own study, and keep informed.
Anthony Clare, Conghal Irish Wolfhounds
Sources:
Bernardi, Gretchen, 1986. Longevity and morbidity in the Irish Wolfhound in the United States 1966 - 1986, for the Irish Wolfhound Club of America, Inc. & Bernardi, P.O. Box 275, Edwardsville, IL 62025, USA.
Blom, Anna & Thomas Blom, 2004. Hälsotillstand hos varghunden i Sverige, for the Irish Wolfhound Club of Sweden
Danielsen, Ingrid, 2000. Behandling av Dødsårsagsskjema for Irsk Ulvehund innsendt for årene 1974-1999, for the Irish Wolfhound Club of Norway
Jalving, Jeanette, 2005. Health survey of the Irish Wolfhound in Denmark, for the Irish Wolfhoundclub of Denmark, to be published
Monberg, Pernille, . The State of the Irish Wolfhound. Wolfhounds.dk
Patronek, G.J., D.J. Waters & L.T. Glickman, 1997. Comparative longevity of pet dogs and humans: Implications for gerontology research, Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, Vol. 52, Issue 3 B171-B178
Sanborn, Laura J MS., 2007,Long-term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay/Neuter in Dogs.
Wachtel, Hellmuth, Dr., 1998. What can population genetics do for the Irish Wolfhound? Paper presented at the 1998 E.I.W.C. Congress in Mondorf-les-Bains, Luxembourg
Irish Wolfhound mortality
I am unashamed of my love of my Irish Wolfhounds. They enrich my life in ways that I had not have thought possible until they entered my life. At the time of taking my first Wolfhound home I was no stranger to dogs, and no stranger to giant breeds and all the issues that come with them.
I had the pleasure of sharing the life of a Blue Great Dane. Hanselmann Durendal. She lived to a ripe age of 11 and some months, and it was not her great heart that gave out , but sadly her hind assembly. She lived through her last spring, and when I decided it was time, we spent the afternoon together in the side paddock eating cake. And when the gentle spring sun had sunk below the horizon our local vet came to our house and I bid her fare well.
For her never Death
Recall spring my love and sleep
Storm iron, her beauty
It tightens my chest whenever I think about her. But when I see another Dane I just have to go over with our Wolfhounds and say hello. The conversation invariably turns at some point to my having had a Dane as well, and every time I get the same shocked response when I say how old she was at her passing. 11 years with change was never enough.
Getting back to our beloved Irish Wolfhounds. The reason I explain about the passing of my Dane, is to say that I am no stranger to the mortality of our giant companions, and the medical complications that can befall them. Even forearmed as I thought I was regarding giant breeds, the mortality issues surrounding Irish Wolfhounds came as a shock.
Major causes
If you are reading this, then you know the major causes of mortality in Irish Wolfhounds, and if you do not, this is not intended to incite fear. However for the general audience I will list them in order of likelihood.
Cancer
Cardio vascular disease
Gastric Dilation Volvulus
Arthritis
Cancer is attributed to roughly 33.9% of deaths in Irish Wolfhounds. Osteogenic sarcoma is by far the biggest threat accounting for around 22% or (61% of all cancer deaths), followed by lymphosarcoma at 5.3% or (15.7% of all cancer deaths). Mammary cancer 1%, Lung cancer 0.75%, Stomach cancer 0.3% and 0.2% for skin, intestinal and uterine cancers. Around 4.5% of cancer related deaths were of unknown origin, or the diagnosis was in question. Regardless of this fact we can very clearly see the major contributor is Osteosarcoma.
Cardio Vascular related diseases account for 15.1% of total deaths, many of the dogs in the study group simply dropped dead. This is something that we see in Danes as well. A seemingly healthy specimen twitches and gives a little whimper and is gone.
There are some very interesting global initiatives regarding cardiovascular issues in Irish Wolfhounds. This may be a topic for further discussion.
Gastric Dilation Volvulus or “Bloat” is the one we were told about most when discussing giant breeds. It was greatly stressed what to do and what not to do. The issue was that there didn’t seem to be any single indicator that would lead to bloat. In some cases it seemed dietary, in others exercise before or after eating or drinking. In other cases no real indicator at all other than the symptoms.
Needless to say, according to statistical data Bloat accounts for around 11.7% of Irish Wolfhound deaths. It was not until I did my own research in to the breed that I found out that osteo sarcoma was a far more likely cause of death. Why “Bloat” gets the lion’s share of the boogy man scares is beyond me, maybe it is because people think that it is preventable, and thus are proactive about it. I know that in some cases it is not at all preventable, even after the use of stapling.
Arthritis and issues with Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture while two different things, are usually effectively the same when it comes to reasons of death. These two issues effect the quality of life of our companions, and as a result we euthanize them to spare them suffering. Over all the data from the Bernardi study suggests 5% of Irish Wolfhounds are euthanized as a result of these issues.
Irish Wolfhound development as we know is a wonderful thing. They start life as tiny bundles and then just grow, and keep on growing. Up until 12 months of age the growth is quite apparent. Then it slows down. After 12 months to 24 months height and weight gain are much more gradual, with strange spurts and surges sometimes evident as they grow through their teenage years. We all know this and have seen it. What may not be so clear is the difference in the development of entire and de-sexed Irish Wolfhounds.
Hormones are a natural part of the dog species, they are required for all physiological aspects of a dog’s growth and development, both external and internal. In a breed that is at risk to osteo related issues, anything that disrupts the development of the skeletal structure should be avoided. And we know that early de-sexing effects the growth plates in dogs. De-sexed animals are usually taller and rangier than their entire contemporaries. Apart from the growth plates and thus the skeletal structure of the dog being affected, we also have biometric changes and resulting stresses on joints and the musculature of the dog. This is something to be avoided at all costs. I have personally seen these physical effects of early de-sexing in Irish Wolfhounds, and wouldn’t want to see those disorders develop in any of mine
The Irish Wolfhound is at the very edge of canine physiology. An interesting comparison between the skull of the Dire Wolf or canis dirus and the Irish Wolfhound is that they are of the same size and general shape, the dire wolf skull has a more pronounced zygomatic arches (cheek bones) and a more pronounced sagittal crest down the midline of the skull. Both animals are of a similar size, with the Wolfhound in general being heavier. The Dire Wolf was the largest recognisable wild member of the canidae family. I point this out to illustrate just how far the physiology of the Irish Wolfhound is removed from even the extremes in wild canids. To achieve this there is some very complex combinations of genes and nurture at work. I would be hesitant to upset this balance in any way.
Neutering/de-sexing changes the hormones and thus the physiology of dogs. This being the case, how are we affecting the mortality of Irish Wolfhounds when we change their physiology in such a fundamental way. In short let us look at the results of studies as they pertain to breeds of dogs with the same causes of mortality. And how early de-sexing affects these causes of mortality.
First let us look at de-sexed/ neutered animals. By neutering Irish Wolfhounds what health/longevity risks are we mitigating?
In male dogs we have
Testicular cancer
Prostate disorders
In female dogs we have
A reduction of mammary tumours
Pyometra is almost eliminated
Removes a small risk from ovarian, cervical and uterine tumours
At the face of it, the mitigation of these risks is a good thing. However to what degree are these issues affecting Irish Wolfhound mortality rates?
Combined cancers and tumours for both sexes account for 1.2% of Irish Wolfhound deaths. While Pyometra is the cause of 1% of deaths in all female dogs, and even if the instance of Pyometra is higher in Irish Wolfhounds, it is not high enough to affect overall mortality statistics. Anecdotally, I know of breeders with 35 years breeding experience that had a total of two bitches with cases of pyometra. Neither of which was fatal.
2.5% of causes of Irish Wolfhound mortality will be mitigated by neutering your dog. Let us take a look the other side.
By leaving Irish Wolfhounds entire what health/longevity risks are we mitigating?
In male and female dogs -
We see a reduced chance of osteosarcoma (de-sexed dogs increased risk of osteosarcoma by a factor of 3.45)
Much reduced chance of obesity, a common health problem in dogs with many associated health problems, particularly in regard to an already stressed skeletal structure.
Reduction in heart disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and cardiovascular disease
Reduction in orthopaedic disorders. Growth plates close at different times, and a de-sexed animal’s growth plates in the leg bones specifically stay open much longer. This can cause disproportion in the animal’s structure, thereby impacting skeletal integrity and negatively impacting the long term durability of the joint.
Reduced risk of poor reaction to vaccinations
Reduced risk of geriatric Cognitive Impairment (disorientation indoors or outside, loss of house training, and behavioural changes in social interactions)
In female dogs we have
Reduced urinary incontinence (which in de-sexed females is as high as 20%)
Reduced Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Early de-sexing can cause abnormal development of external genitalia, this in turn increases the instances of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis, vaginitus and UTIs
Consider the reduction in risks of osteosarcoma, cardio vascular disease and arthritis for a moment. These as we know account for 41.3% of Irish Wolfhound deaths. And compare that to the 2.5% of deaths mitigated by neutering of your Irish Wolfhounds. Leaving your dog entire is a much healthier choice for the dog.
Consider the ANKC ruling that Irish Wolfhound bitches are not to be bred from until they are 2 years old. Inferring that the dog is not physically mature until that age.
Consider that the complex part the hormones in your hound contribute to every part of their development.
Consider the impact on the longevity of this breed, if we cannot find ways to raise the age by which our Irish Wolfhounds leave us? Not everyone can stand to go through the pain of that again, and will not purchase another. This does not help to popularise the breed.
Consider your responsibility as an owner/breeder/companion of this animal, and prepare yourself for seasons and things that would otherwise inconvenience you if your dog is entire. Protect yourself and your hound with correct measures in place to ensure the security of your bitch during her season.
And lastly please consider your options of tubal ligation if birth control is an issue for you, and if you must de-sex consider doing it only after your hound is fully mature. ie two years old or more.
This is my opinion on the subject at hand, the literature is out there on the subject. Please conduct you own study, and keep informed.
Anthony Clare, Conghal Irish Wolfhounds
Sources:
Bernardi, Gretchen, 1986. Longevity and morbidity in the Irish Wolfhound in the United States 1966 - 1986, for the Irish Wolfhound Club of America, Inc. & Bernardi, P.O. Box 275, Edwardsville, IL 62025, USA.
Blom, Anna & Thomas Blom, 2004. Hälsotillstand hos varghunden i Sverige, for the Irish Wolfhound Club of Sweden
Danielsen, Ingrid, 2000. Behandling av Dødsårsagsskjema for Irsk Ulvehund innsendt for årene 1974-1999, for the Irish Wolfhound Club of Norway
Jalving, Jeanette, 2005. Health survey of the Irish Wolfhound in Denmark, for the Irish Wolfhoundclub of Denmark, to be published
Monberg, Pernille, . The State of the Irish Wolfhound. Wolfhounds.dk
Patronek, G.J., D.J. Waters & L.T. Glickman, 1997. Comparative longevity of pet dogs and humans: Implications for gerontology research, Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, Vol. 52, Issue 3 B171-B178
Sanborn, Laura J MS., 2007,Long-term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay/Neuter in Dogs.
Wachtel, Hellmuth, Dr., 1998. What can population genetics do for the Irish Wolfhound? Paper presented at the 1998 E.I.W.C. Congress in Mondorf-les-Bains, Luxembourg
Sculptor William R. O’Donovan.
South of Gettysburg, just inside the Rose Woods stands a beautiful bronze monument.
The monument is a magnificent Celtic cross supported by a granite base, nearly twenty feet tall. The front of the cross is an ornate bronze ornamented by a 2nd Corps trefoil, the numbers of the three New York regiments, the Seal of the State of New York, and a harp flanked by eagles. At the base of the cross lies a life size sculpt of an Irish Wolfhound at rest. It was sculpted by William R. O’Donovan.
William Rudolf O'Donovan (March 28, 1844 – April 20, 1920) was born in Preston County, Virginia (now West Virginia), and taught himself to sculpt. After the Civil War, in which O'Donovan served in the Confederate army, he opened a studio in New York City and became a well known as a sculptor, especially of memorial pieces.
In 1878, O'Donovan become an associate of the National Academy of Design. George Washington was a favourite subject of his, and he published a series of papers on Washington portraits. During the 1870s and 1880s he collaborated with Maurice J. Power, politician, sculptor and owner of the National Fine Art Foundry producing many works of public art. Which included the monument to the New York Irish Brigade at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania finished in 1888.
The Irish Brigade was one of the legendary units of the Civil War. Three of its regiments were from New York. The other two were the 28th Massachusetts and the 116th Pennsylvania. With its numbers depleted at Antietam and Fredericksburg, the three New York regiments could barely muster two weak companies each. But the Irish Brigade was still a force to be reckoned with when they were thrown in to support Sickles' collapsing line on the afternoon of July 2.
One of the memorable moments of the battle came as the men of the Irish Brigade knelt while the Brigade Chaplain, Father William Corby, stood atop a boulder and pronounced general absolution to the men.
It was this same man, Father William Corby who attended the dedication on July 2nd, 1888. He held a mass for the veterans and blessed the monument. “We have unveiled this pile, and it will stand to perpetuate the fame of those heroes. To keep their memory green in the American heart, this Celtic Cross has been erected. It is an emblem of Ireland, typical of faith and devotion, and the most appropriate that could be raised to hand down to posterity the bravery of our race in the great cause of American liberty.”
As stated what is of interest to us, is the life size bronze Irish Wolfhound at the base of the monument. To the artist O’Donavan, it was symbol of honor and fidelity. That an American born son of Ireland should use the Irish Wolfhound in this way is natural enough. What we have to remember is that he fought as a Confederate soldier, at Gettysburg, against the Union.
What is also of interest is the date, this 1888. At this time, to most people the Irish Wolfhound was no more and there is an interesting inscription just below the paws of the Irish Wolfhound. It reads
“This, in the matter of size and structure, truthfully represents the Irish wolf-hound, a dog which has been extinct for more than a hundred years.
William Rudolph O'Donovan"
The monument is a magnificent Celtic cross supported by a granite base, nearly twenty feet tall. The front of the cross is an ornate bronze ornamented by a 2nd Corps trefoil, the numbers of the three New York regiments, the Seal of the State of New York, and a harp flanked by eagles. At the base of the cross lies a life size sculpt of an Irish Wolfhound at rest. It was sculpted by William R. O’Donovan.
William Rudolf O'Donovan (March 28, 1844 – April 20, 1920) was born in Preston County, Virginia (now West Virginia), and taught himself to sculpt. After the Civil War, in which O'Donovan served in the Confederate army, he opened a studio in New York City and became a well known as a sculptor, especially of memorial pieces.
In 1878, O'Donovan become an associate of the National Academy of Design. George Washington was a favourite subject of his, and he published a series of papers on Washington portraits. During the 1870s and 1880s he collaborated with Maurice J. Power, politician, sculptor and owner of the National Fine Art Foundry producing many works of public art. Which included the monument to the New York Irish Brigade at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania finished in 1888.
The Irish Brigade was one of the legendary units of the Civil War. Three of its regiments were from New York. The other two were the 28th Massachusetts and the 116th Pennsylvania. With its numbers depleted at Antietam and Fredericksburg, the three New York regiments could barely muster two weak companies each. But the Irish Brigade was still a force to be reckoned with when they were thrown in to support Sickles' collapsing line on the afternoon of July 2.
One of the memorable moments of the battle came as the men of the Irish Brigade knelt while the Brigade Chaplain, Father William Corby, stood atop a boulder and pronounced general absolution to the men.
It was this same man, Father William Corby who attended the dedication on July 2nd, 1888. He held a mass for the veterans and blessed the monument. “We have unveiled this pile, and it will stand to perpetuate the fame of those heroes. To keep their memory green in the American heart, this Celtic Cross has been erected. It is an emblem of Ireland, typical of faith and devotion, and the most appropriate that could be raised to hand down to posterity the bravery of our race in the great cause of American liberty.”
As stated what is of interest to us, is the life size bronze Irish Wolfhound at the base of the monument. To the artist O’Donavan, it was symbol of honor and fidelity. That an American born son of Ireland should use the Irish Wolfhound in this way is natural enough. What we have to remember is that he fought as a Confederate soldier, at Gettysburg, against the Union.
What is also of interest is the date, this 1888. At this time, to most people the Irish Wolfhound was no more and there is an interesting inscription just below the paws of the Irish Wolfhound. It reads
“This, in the matter of size and structure, truthfully represents the Irish wolf-hound, a dog which has been extinct for more than a hundred years.
William Rudolph O'Donovan"
This it seems was the prevailing attitude in the Americas, and shows just how close the Irish Wolfhound came to being a truly mythical creature. For O’Donavan the subject had been extinct for a century. It begs the question where he sourced his subject reference from. It could have been from the Country newspaper of New York.
In March, 1878, a sketch of a supposed Irish Wolfhound appeared in the Country newspaper of New York, followed by historical notices of the breed. A month following, a letter appeared in the same journal, from Mr. Frank Adcock, of Shevington Hall, Wigan, in which that gentleman says: "It may interest your readers to know that this dog (the Irish Wolfhound) is still in existence, and exhibits all the various attributes ascribed to him by ancient writers. Those that I possess are blackish-grey and grizzled in colour, with stiff, wiry coats. In shape they resemble the great Scotch Deerhound, but are somewhat more stoutly made, and very much superior in size and courage; the head, also, although as long, is more massive and punishing in character, and the sense of smell is marvellously acute."
In later letters to the editor, it was expressed that the hounds in question could not possibly be Irish Wolfhounds. The response by Mr Adcock says is headed “Wolfhounds” and in this he discusses the Spanish and Pyrenees Wolf Dogs (Great Pyrenees) however he states “The Wolfhounds I allude to are not to be confounded with these mongrels, but are, more or less, identical with the dog known as the Irish Greyhound or Wolfhound."
While it is interesting that Mr Frank Adcock is in fact the man that is quoted in Hugh Dalziels “British Dogs” and being a fancier probably knew he was talking about. What is more interesting is that he in fact showed a dog at the Irish kennel Show in Dublin 1879, in which his puppy was placed second, with the following critique.
“The second prize was awarded to a puppy shown by Mr. Frank Adcock, no pedigree given. He had a strong look of the Great Dane, with a good deal of the shape and style of the deerhound - dark, grizzled, and with a hard useful coat, although rather short; he was a puppy of great power and substance, the right stamp of head, although just a trifle too heavy, and in a cross with a sister to this dog and such a dog as Brian, we should expect to see the nearest approach in form to the old Irish wolfhound that has existed in this century, and in them we should also expect to get courage, a most essential attribute in a dog that has to cope with large and fierce game, and without which, indeed, he is worthless.”
Perhaps Mr Adcocks article and art fired the imagination of O’Donavan, perhaps not. What is without question was O’Donavans hound is undoubtedly an Irish Wolfhound, and is a splendid and beautiful way of expressing the virtues of honour, fidelity and courage.
Anthony Clare - Conghal Irish Wolfhounds
Reference:
Dalziel, H (1887)
McCormack, J (2002)
The Daily Graphic, New York 1874-1878
The Country, New York 1878
In March, 1878, a sketch of a supposed Irish Wolfhound appeared in the Country newspaper of New York, followed by historical notices of the breed. A month following, a letter appeared in the same journal, from Mr. Frank Adcock, of Shevington Hall, Wigan, in which that gentleman says: "It may interest your readers to know that this dog (the Irish Wolfhound) is still in existence, and exhibits all the various attributes ascribed to him by ancient writers. Those that I possess are blackish-grey and grizzled in colour, with stiff, wiry coats. In shape they resemble the great Scotch Deerhound, but are somewhat more stoutly made, and very much superior in size and courage; the head, also, although as long, is more massive and punishing in character, and the sense of smell is marvellously acute."
In later letters to the editor, it was expressed that the hounds in question could not possibly be Irish Wolfhounds. The response by Mr Adcock says is headed “Wolfhounds” and in this he discusses the Spanish and Pyrenees Wolf Dogs (Great Pyrenees) however he states “The Wolfhounds I allude to are not to be confounded with these mongrels, but are, more or less, identical with the dog known as the Irish Greyhound or Wolfhound."
While it is interesting that Mr Frank Adcock is in fact the man that is quoted in Hugh Dalziels “British Dogs” and being a fancier probably knew he was talking about. What is more interesting is that he in fact showed a dog at the Irish kennel Show in Dublin 1879, in which his puppy was placed second, with the following critique.
“The second prize was awarded to a puppy shown by Mr. Frank Adcock, no pedigree given. He had a strong look of the Great Dane, with a good deal of the shape and style of the deerhound - dark, grizzled, and with a hard useful coat, although rather short; he was a puppy of great power and substance, the right stamp of head, although just a trifle too heavy, and in a cross with a sister to this dog and such a dog as Brian, we should expect to see the nearest approach in form to the old Irish wolfhound that has existed in this century, and in them we should also expect to get courage, a most essential attribute in a dog that has to cope with large and fierce game, and without which, indeed, he is worthless.”
Perhaps Mr Adcocks article and art fired the imagination of O’Donavan, perhaps not. What is without question was O’Donavans hound is undoubtedly an Irish Wolfhound, and is a splendid and beautiful way of expressing the virtues of honour, fidelity and courage.
Anthony Clare - Conghal Irish Wolfhounds
Reference:
Dalziel, H (1887)
McCormack, J (2002)
The Daily Graphic, New York 1874-1878
The Country, New York 1878
Sculptor Zenos Frudakis: Irish WOlfhounds in Art
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I was searching for Irish Wolfhound bronze sculptures and the artists who created them when I came across Zenos Frudakis. I was immediately taken by his ability to capture the spirit of these hounds. I was lucky enough the enter correspondence with him through Rosalie Frudakis and gain his insights in capturing the Irish Wolfhound in this medium.
As a child in Gary, Indiana, Zenos began to sculpt under the family's kitchen table with a piece of dough given to him by his mother as she was preparing to bake bread. Zenos father, born in Greece, came to the U.S. as a boy. The oldest of five children growing up in Greek culture, Zenos admired, respected, and was drawn to Greek sculpture. Greek art influenced his aesthetic vision; additional inspiration came from sculptors Michaelangelo, Bernini, Carpeaux and Rodin. The poetry of Eliot, Frost, Roethke and Graves, is important to Zenos, as is post-modern, deconstructionist philosophy. Although Zenos creates personal, expressive works of art, he is a commissioned artist with wide-ranging versatility capable of sculpting subjects from the human form to animals. |
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I asked him to discuss his approach to his creative process, in particular focus being the Irish Wolfhound.
“When asked to create the standing Irish Wolfhound for our private client, I researched and realized that the Irish Wolfhounds were said to have killed the wolves in Ireland. So I created a dramatic composition of Wolfhound and Wolf at a stand-off, with the stream running between them.
In creating the idealized sculpture of the Irish Wolfhound for our private client, I wanted to create an extremely handsome portrait of the hound. I was aware that these hounds were referred to as Gentle Giants, and yet they were known to be ferocious and protective. I endeavored to blend both qualities into the idealized sculpture of the hound. I looked at anatomy of greyhounds, deerhounds and great danes because the fur on my models eclipsed my ability to detect the anatomy to the degree I am accustomed while working. I found the greyhound's anatomy most helpful. And of course Sam Donaldson's Irish Wolfhounds were a wonderful models, as was Abigail's American cousin.
I patterned the fur so that it wasn't arbitrary, as the eye seeks patterns and not chaos. My career as a portrait sculptor, not an animal sculptor, is what helped me the most in creating both an idealized portrait and a very personal portrait of two different Irish Wolfhounds. I could see the likeness of Abigail and capture it, instilling in it her lovely, gentle and warm spirit. The idealized portrait of the standing hound was a composite of Sam's marvelous hounds, their strength, vitality, and presence. He gave me the opportunity to watch them move about on his property, which was a tremendous help. I could capture a stance that contained some of the movement of the animal. “
“When asked to create the standing Irish Wolfhound for our private client, I researched and realized that the Irish Wolfhounds were said to have killed the wolves in Ireland. So I created a dramatic composition of Wolfhound and Wolf at a stand-off, with the stream running between them.
In creating the idealized sculpture of the Irish Wolfhound for our private client, I wanted to create an extremely handsome portrait of the hound. I was aware that these hounds were referred to as Gentle Giants, and yet they were known to be ferocious and protective. I endeavored to blend both qualities into the idealized sculpture of the hound. I looked at anatomy of greyhounds, deerhounds and great danes because the fur on my models eclipsed my ability to detect the anatomy to the degree I am accustomed while working. I found the greyhound's anatomy most helpful. And of course Sam Donaldson's Irish Wolfhounds were a wonderful models, as was Abigail's American cousin.
I patterned the fur so that it wasn't arbitrary, as the eye seeks patterns and not chaos. My career as a portrait sculptor, not an animal sculptor, is what helped me the most in creating both an idealized portrait and a very personal portrait of two different Irish Wolfhounds. I could see the likeness of Abigail and capture it, instilling in it her lovely, gentle and warm spirit. The idealized portrait of the standing hound was a composite of Sam's marvelous hounds, their strength, vitality, and presence. He gave me the opportunity to watch them move about on his property, which was a tremendous help. I could capture a stance that contained some of the movement of the animal. “
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Irish Wolfhound in Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina
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Mr Frudakis has done two commissions, both of which are life size, and remarkable.
The Irish Wolfhound with the Wolf was created as an idealized hound.
Ancient Greek sculptors had a tradition of sculpting parts from various models for the best legs, arms, face, torso, so that is what Zenos was doing in creating the standing Irish Wolfhound.The original model for this sculpture was Sam Ewing’s Huey, whom Sam directed Zenos to sculpt for the body, but using another hound as the model for the head. The second hound's head was more ideal than Huey's, in Sam's opinion. Sam Ewing bred Irish Wolfhounds for over fifty years at his Eagle Farms Kennel in Chester Springs, PA. He was extremely successful in his breeding program having finished hundreds of champions under the Eagle prefix.
The Irish Wolfhound with the Wolf was created as an idealized hound.
Ancient Greek sculptors had a tradition of sculpting parts from various models for the best legs, arms, face, torso, so that is what Zenos was doing in creating the standing Irish Wolfhound.The original model for this sculpture was Sam Ewing’s Huey, whom Sam directed Zenos to sculpt for the body, but using another hound as the model for the head. The second hound's head was more ideal than Huey's, in Sam's opinion. Sam Ewing bred Irish Wolfhounds for over fifty years at his Eagle Farms Kennel in Chester Springs, PA. He was extremely successful in his breeding program having finished hundreds of champions under the Eagle prefix.
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The Irish Wolfhound and Wolf in situ on the property of John Ruggieri of Florida, US.
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The Irish Wolfhound at rest is Abigail (Lamby, short for Lamby Bear) , much loved hound of Ms Carol Bruce. Rosalie was able to share the process of capturing those mannerisms and features that were unique to Abigail.
“Abigail sat in a most original manner and when lying down, she crossed her front paws. Ms. Bruce wished Zenos to sculpt Abigail just exactly as she was. Upon research, we had the good fortune to discover that Abigail's cousin lived an hour from our studio, so we inquired if she might pose for the sculpture. When visiting the studio to pose, this hound made herself comfortable by lying down and crossing her front paws exactly as Abigail did. Zenos took measurements of the hound with calipers and began to sculpt from them and photos supplied to us by Ms. Bruce. Ms. Bruce visited the studio to guide Zenos on adjustments to the portrait of Abigail so she was sculpted exactly the way Ms. Bruce remembered her.”
Though Rosalie, I was introduced to Ms Carol Bruce of Old Bladbean Stud Gardens in Canterbury England herself. I asked her what it was that drew her to Irish Wolfhounds and asked her what made her want to have a life size bronze made of her hound.
“I have been thinking about your questions and for me, the reason I chose to have an Irish Wolfhound was because I always felt a close affinity with animals, but at the same time I felt the need to add a human sized household member, so these two factors combined to motivate me to get a giant dog (I wasn't so keen on the idea of sharing a couch with a bear!).
I was also drawn to the archetypal character of the irish wolfhound - for me they trigger an ancient instinctive affinity with dogs which I am sure we all inherit and is more prominent in some people than others.
My poor wolfhound was sadly short lived (she died at 4), but so very very dear - she was an extremely gentle and intuitive animal.
One of the reasons I had Zenos create the sculpture was as a way to continue her presence in my life when she suddenly died. She had become such an important part of my life that I was completely directionless when she died, and commissioning the sculpture was a way to find a route out of the loss that was still about her, even though she wasn't looking out at me any more.”
Though Rosalie, I was introduced to Ms Carol Bruce of Old Bladbean Stud Gardens in Canterbury England herself. I asked her what it was that drew her to Irish Wolfhounds and asked her what made her want to have a life size bronze made of her hound.
“I have been thinking about your questions and for me, the reason I chose to have an Irish Wolfhound was because I always felt a close affinity with animals, but at the same time I felt the need to add a human sized household member, so these two factors combined to motivate me to get a giant dog (I wasn't so keen on the idea of sharing a couch with a bear!).
I was also drawn to the archetypal character of the irish wolfhound - for me they trigger an ancient instinctive affinity with dogs which I am sure we all inherit and is more prominent in some people than others.
My poor wolfhound was sadly short lived (she died at 4), but so very very dear - she was an extremely gentle and intuitive animal.
One of the reasons I had Zenos create the sculpture was as a way to continue her presence in my life when she suddenly died. She had become such an important part of my life that I was completely directionless when she died, and commissioning the sculpture was a way to find a route out of the loss that was still about her, even though she wasn't looking out at me any more.”
Lamby’s Walk
"The route out of the gardens takes you through Lamby’s Walk, a long narrow lawn under the watchful gaze of a lifesize sculpture of my Irish Wolfhound which was made shortly after her death from photos and written descriptions by American sculptor Zenos Frudakis. I knew as the years went by she would become a distant memory and I wanted to do something that would be a permanent reminder of her enormous presence and impact on my life while she was alive. The statue is mounted on the spot where she used to sit for hours watching rabbits, poised and ready to charge off down the lawn sending them scattering in all directions at the sound of the bell on her collar."
Ms Bruce runs Old Bladbean Stud Gardens http://www.oldbladbeanstud.co.uk/
Five interlinked gardens are spread over 3 acres, all designed and maintained by the owner and each with its own distinct purpose and theme. Please follow the link above for more information about the gardens, their histories, peak flowering seasons, and the National Gardens Scheme open days for 2014
I think that you will agree that the Irish Wolfhound world is greater for the amazing bronzes sculpted by Mr Zenos Frudakis. I think he has not just captured the form, but also the spirit of these majestic hounds.
In regard to Ms Bruce’s Abigail. Zenos was sensitive and respectful of an immensely private relationship that she has with the hound and the resulting sculpt. Creating not just commissioned art, but a lasting and direct link between Abigail and Carol.
The paired sculptures of the wolf and wolfhound are exquisite, and all the more remarkable because of their relationship to each other. And in situ are a powerful image, capturing the imagination, and reminding us why they are called Irish Wolfhounds.
Anthony Clare Co-Editor Cu Magazine
Conghal Irish Wolfhounds
"The route out of the gardens takes you through Lamby’s Walk, a long narrow lawn under the watchful gaze of a lifesize sculpture of my Irish Wolfhound which was made shortly after her death from photos and written descriptions by American sculptor Zenos Frudakis. I knew as the years went by she would become a distant memory and I wanted to do something that would be a permanent reminder of her enormous presence and impact on my life while she was alive. The statue is mounted on the spot where she used to sit for hours watching rabbits, poised and ready to charge off down the lawn sending them scattering in all directions at the sound of the bell on her collar."
Ms Bruce runs Old Bladbean Stud Gardens http://www.oldbladbeanstud.co.uk/
Five interlinked gardens are spread over 3 acres, all designed and maintained by the owner and each with its own distinct purpose and theme. Please follow the link above for more information about the gardens, their histories, peak flowering seasons, and the National Gardens Scheme open days for 2014
I think that you will agree that the Irish Wolfhound world is greater for the amazing bronzes sculpted by Mr Zenos Frudakis. I think he has not just captured the form, but also the spirit of these majestic hounds.
In regard to Ms Bruce’s Abigail. Zenos was sensitive and respectful of an immensely private relationship that she has with the hound and the resulting sculpt. Creating not just commissioned art, but a lasting and direct link between Abigail and Carol.
The paired sculptures of the wolf and wolfhound are exquisite, and all the more remarkable because of their relationship to each other. And in situ are a powerful image, capturing the imagination, and reminding us why they are called Irish Wolfhounds.
Anthony Clare Co-Editor Cu Magazine
Conghal Irish Wolfhounds
An Empress and her Shadow
Whilst chatting with some club members I was asked about a photograph appeared in previous editions of Cu.
It depicts a regal slender woman with what appears to be an Irish Wolfhound at her feet.
It depicts a regal slender woman with what appears to be an Irish Wolfhound at her feet.
The woman is the Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Queen of Hungary (24 December 1837 – 10 September 1898) Wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Who apart from being a renowned great beauty was passionate about the natural world and horses and hounds in especially.
The Empress was tall at 5 feet 8 inches and maintained a fitness regimen. A part from the gymnasium, she would ride for hours at a time accompanied by her retainers and hounds. The Empress is depicted as having many types of hounds in attendance and she had a particular fondness for large hounds. And it was this fondness along with her habit of taking the hounds into the most precious salons where ever she went that may have given her hound its name. Shadow.
Some have said that her pre occupation with the natural world and outdoor activities was an attempt to escape the strictures of court life. This seems validated by her extended stays away from court after she gave the Emperor an heir.
Her son Rudolf was the Archduke of Austria and the Crown prince of Austria-Hungary, and although he had a tragic end he emulated his somewhat distant mother as much as he could. Rudolf imitating her preferences and dislikes down the last detail. Unfortunately for the Crown Prince his father the Emperor denied his request to study natural science at University. He did however open a dog breeding establishment in Prague in 1880, which specialised in wolfhounds. Where did he and the Empress get these wolfhounds? It is an question to which I have no solid answer, however Irish Wolfhounds were imported from Ireland throughout Europe until Oliver Cromwell’s ban in 1652. King John of Poland having according to some sources procured from 100 up to 500. It would seem that there may have been decent examples of the breed available for Royalty such as Elisabeth and Rudolf.
The Empress was tall at 5 feet 8 inches and maintained a fitness regimen. A part from the gymnasium, she would ride for hours at a time accompanied by her retainers and hounds. The Empress is depicted as having many types of hounds in attendance and she had a particular fondness for large hounds. And it was this fondness along with her habit of taking the hounds into the most precious salons where ever she went that may have given her hound its name. Shadow.
Some have said that her pre occupation with the natural world and outdoor activities was an attempt to escape the strictures of court life. This seems validated by her extended stays away from court after she gave the Emperor an heir.
Her son Rudolf was the Archduke of Austria and the Crown prince of Austria-Hungary, and although he had a tragic end he emulated his somewhat distant mother as much as he could. Rudolf imitating her preferences and dislikes down the last detail. Unfortunately for the Crown Prince his father the Emperor denied his request to study natural science at University. He did however open a dog breeding establishment in Prague in 1880, which specialised in wolfhounds. Where did he and the Empress get these wolfhounds? It is an question to which I have no solid answer, however Irish Wolfhounds were imported from Ireland throughout Europe until Oliver Cromwell’s ban in 1652. King John of Poland having according to some sources procured from 100 up to 500. It would seem that there may have been decent examples of the breed available for Royalty such as Elisabeth and Rudolf.
In 1879 the Empress arrived in Dublin after an invitation by Lord Spencer. Keen to be out amongst nature and hunt with horse and hounds it was arranged that she stay in Summerhill House, home of Lord Longford, in Kilcock, Co. Meath. As this was a private visit she used her minor title, Countess Hohennembs.
Word got out and she was greeted by a large crowd in Dublin under the banner ‘Erin cordially welcomes the Empress’. The lord mayor welcomed her and a little girl presented a bouquet of flowers. Cheering crowds gathered as her train passed through Clonsilla, Lucan, Leixlip and Maynooth. At Kilcock a red carpet was rolled out and Austrian flags flown. On the last leg to Summerhill, two triumphal arches stretched across the road and another crowd welcomed her.
A favourite horse was called ‘St Patrick’ and she owned an Irish wolfhound called ‘Shadow’. On 17 March she even wore a sprig of shamrock. On different days she rode with the Ward Union, Royal Meath Fox Hounds Club and Kildare Fox Hunt Club, known as the ‘Killing Kildares’. Not only the local gentry but also notable guests from England joined her, such as the duchess of Marlborough and Lord and Lady Randolph Churchill (parents of Winston).
She caused a great stir and her activities were followed with keen interest by the local and national press. For example, on 4 March 1879 the Irish Times reported:
“The Empress riding Mr Morrogh’s famous mount, Ward Union, now more famous than ever, was in front from find to finish, and one of the brightest days in the annals of the hunt was wound up by an imperial luncheon, to which all hunting men were bidden.”
People came out in droves on foot and on horseback to see her, and every ditch and hedge she jumped was crowded with spectators. In one case up to 500 horsemen showed up to watch her. The Irish Times reported that on St Patrick’s Day
“The meet was at Culmullen crossroads and a triumphal arch was erected close to the post office in honour of the occasion with “Welcome to the Empress” inscribed upon it in large characters. The concourse of people on horses, in carriages, and on “shank’s mare” was enormous, but notwithstanding the crowd, order was well kept.’
The locals were impressed by her lack of ostentation and her prowess as a horsewoman.
Word got out and she was greeted by a large crowd in Dublin under the banner ‘Erin cordially welcomes the Empress’. The lord mayor welcomed her and a little girl presented a bouquet of flowers. Cheering crowds gathered as her train passed through Clonsilla, Lucan, Leixlip and Maynooth. At Kilcock a red carpet was rolled out and Austrian flags flown. On the last leg to Summerhill, two triumphal arches stretched across the road and another crowd welcomed her.
A favourite horse was called ‘St Patrick’ and she owned an Irish wolfhound called ‘Shadow’. On 17 March she even wore a sprig of shamrock. On different days she rode with the Ward Union, Royal Meath Fox Hounds Club and Kildare Fox Hunt Club, known as the ‘Killing Kildares’. Not only the local gentry but also notable guests from England joined her, such as the duchess of Marlborough and Lord and Lady Randolph Churchill (parents of Winston).
She caused a great stir and her activities were followed with keen interest by the local and national press. For example, on 4 March 1879 the Irish Times reported:
“The Empress riding Mr Morrogh’s famous mount, Ward Union, now more famous than ever, was in front from find to finish, and one of the brightest days in the annals of the hunt was wound up by an imperial luncheon, to which all hunting men were bidden.”
People came out in droves on foot and on horseback to see her, and every ditch and hedge she jumped was crowded with spectators. In one case up to 500 horsemen showed up to watch her. The Irish Times reported that on St Patrick’s Day
“The meet was at Culmullen crossroads and a triumphal arch was erected close to the post office in honour of the occasion with “Welcome to the Empress” inscribed upon it in large characters. The concourse of people on horses, in carriages, and on “shank’s mare” was enormous, but notwithstanding the crowd, order was well kept.’
The locals were impressed by her lack of ostentation and her prowess as a horsewoman.
It is said that Empress Elisabeth may have owned two Irish Wolfhounds as two are named. One being Horseguard the other being the aforementioned Shadow. The fact that amongst the photos of the Empress we only see one Wolfhound suggests to me that the name “Shadow” is a nickname based not on the colour of the hound (which is light in the photos and art of the time) and more a description of the hounds relationship with the Empress.
Most of us would agree that a large hairy shadow is a great description of our Irish Wolfhound companions.
Regards
Anthony Clare
Most of us would agree that a large hairy shadow is a great description of our Irish Wolfhound companions.
Regards
Anthony Clare
