Douglas Hyde Portrait by John Butler Yeats – Gaelic Revival Irish Art Print

Douglas Hyde by John Butler Yeats (1906) — Collector’s Edition Archival Print & Museum-Quality Framed Print

This remarkable portrait captures Douglas Hyde at the height of the Gaelic Revival — a moment when Ireland’s cultural destiny was being reawakened through language, literature and national identity. Painted in 1906 by John Butler Yeats, one of Ireland’s most revered portrait artists, this work predates Hyde’s presidency and reflects his leading role as a scholar, visionary and founder of the Gaelic League.

The Gaelic Revival

Douglas Hyde believed Ireland could only thrive as a nation if its language and culture were preserved. His writings and speeches ignited a nationwide movement to restore Irish as a living language. This portrait stands not just as an image of a man, but as a symbol of Ireland’s cultural rebirth — a visual embodiment of dignity, intellect and national spirit.

The Artist: John Butler Yeats (1839–1922)

Father of poet W.B. Yeats and painter Jack B. Yeats, John Butler Yeats is celebrated for his sensitive and insightful portraits. His gift was not merely technical; he captured the inner life of his sitters. In this 1906 oil painting, now housed in the National Gallery of Ireland, the contemplative strength of Hyde is immortalised with soft brushwork, warm tones and deep psychological presence.

Visual Description

Hyde is portrayed seated in profile, his expression calm yet resolute. Earthy ochres, muted reds and gentle shadows create a scholarly atmosphere. The portrait conveys not political grandeur but intellectual leadership — the image of a man shaping Ireland through culture rather than power.

Why This Artwork Matters

This piece represents the birth of modern Ireland through cultural awakening. As the founder of the Gaelic Revival and eventual first President of Ireland, Hyde’s legacy lives in every Irish speaker, every poem, every identity reclaimed. This Collector’s Edition print allows you to own a piece of that legacy — a symbol of Ireland’s soul.

Gaelic Quote

“Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam.”
  “A country without a language is a country without a soul.”

Collector’s Edition Specifications

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• Exclusive Size: 40×50 cm / 16×20″
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• Archival Art Print (Unframed): Giclée printed on 230–250 gsm museum-grade, acid-free paper using pigment-based inks for 100+ year longevity.
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• Museum-Quality Framed Print: FSC-certified solid wood frame with gallery glazing and archival mount; available in black, white and natural finishes; arrives ready to hang.
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• Museum Standard Colour Reproduction: Faithfully calibrated to the original oil paint