Casimir Markievicz takes centre stage at Dublin Castle 

A new exhibition at Dublin Castle is bringing a lesser-known figure of Dublin’s artistic past back into the spotlight: Casimir Markievicz.

Best known as the husband of revolutionary and political icon Constance Markievicz, Casimir is finally getting long-overdue recognition for his own work and impact on the city’s cultural life.

Casimir Markievicz: A Polish Artist in Bohemian Dublin 1903–1913 opened on April 24th and offers a rare look at his contributions to the artistic and intellectual life of early 20th-century Dublin.

The exhibition, hosted by the Office of Public Works in partnership with the Polish Embassy, features more than 80 paintings, photographs, and personal items, many of which have never been publicly shown in Ireland before.

While Casimir has often been overshadowed by his wife, this exhibition gives visitors a chance to see him as an artist in his own right – and a central figure in a bohemian Dublin that pulsed with political and creative energy.

“We have had a very positive reception so far!” said Dr. Kathryn Milligan, co-curator of the exhibition.

“Last week we were able to share the fruits of a year’s work with the wider Markievicz family (many of whom travelled from Poland for the occasion), colleagues and friends from the wider cultural heritage sector, and the visitors to Dublin Castle. I think people are delighted to learn more about Casimir, as they are quite familiar with Constance Markievicz’s life and work already, but his life and work is rather mysterious!”

The exhibition places Casimir at the heart of Dublin’s turn-of-the-century cultural scene, showing his relationships with figures like W.B. Yeats, George Russell (AE), and William Orpen.

But it also goes beyond Ireland’s borders, tracing a cultural web between Dublin, Poland, and Ukraine – regions that shaped Casimir’s life and, in many ways, mirrored the wider European political awakening of the time.

“Casimir (and Constance’s life) intertwine Ireland, Poland and Ukraine,” Dr. Milligan explained.

“Casimir was born into a Polish family who lived in Ukraine, and the couple later spent two summers there together, painting, taking photographs and hearing stories from the region. These were then exhibited in Dublin and were likely showing something quite new to Dublin audiences. Today, we can see the connections between the Polish and Irish independence movements that Casimir and Constance contributed to, and the importance of this to supporting Ukraine today.”

Casimir’s legacy isn’t just tucked away in old paintings – it’s built into the foundations of Dublin’s cultural institutions. His advocacy for the arts left an imprint on the city that can still be felt today.

“During the 10 years he spent in Dublin, Casimir was involved in the campaign for Hugh Lane’s gallery of modern art, ensuring that a collection of modern paintings was retained for the city; he also served on the foundation committee for the United Arts Club, and was an important figure in the Club’s early history,” said Dr. Milligan.

“The fact that both of these institutions are thriving today connects us directly to Casimir’s legacy in the city.”

For residents of The Liberties and beyond, this exhibition is a chance to rediscover an overlooked figure who helped shape the cultural life of the capital.

It’s also a timely reminder of the shared histories that connect Ireland to its European neighbors – stories told not only through politics, but through art, relationships, and everyday life.

Casimir Markievicz: A Polish Artist in Bohemian Dublin 1903–1913 will run throughout the summer at Dublin Castle. Admission is included as part of entry to the State Apartments.

For more information, please visit: www.heritageireland.ie