Gezicht op de ruïne van de abdij van Aghadoe Possibly 1793

Thomas Medland produced this print of the ruins of Aghadoe Abbey in Ireland. It was made sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century when the picturesque aesthetic was very much in vogue. The image presents the ruined abbey, with its crumbling walls and arches, as an object of romantic contemplation. It’s a typical example of the period’s fascination with ruins, which were seen as reminders of the past and symbols of the transience of human achievement. The abbey's ruined state speaks volumes about the complex religious and political history of Ireland. As art historians, our work involves delving into these histories, uncovering the social and political contexts that shaped not only the creation of such images but their reception. By consulting historical records, architectural surveys, and other visual sources, we can piece together the story of Aghadoe Abbey and its place in the broader narrative of Irish history.