The Dublin Volunteers on College Green

In 1690, King William III solidified Protestant control in Ireland. November 4, 1779, marked the 129th anniversary of William III’s birthday. On that day roughly 1,000 Irish Volunteers gathered around his statue in Dublin. Firing their muskets and cannons, the Volunteers showed off their patriotism for Ireland and their willingness to defend the Irish Parliament’s right to govern the country without intervention from the British Parliament. Less than 20 years later, the men depicted here stood divided over establishing an Irish republic separate from the British Empire.

The Dublin Volunteers on College Green, 4th November 1779
Painted by Francis Wheatley
1779-1780
Oil on Canvas
Courtesy of the National Gallery of Ireland Collection Photo © National Gallery of Ireland