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John Behan RHA (b.1938) Atlantic Famine Ship (2014)signed
unique bronze
84 x 102 x 28cm (33 x 40 x 11in)
Provenance:
Acquired directly from the artist
Private Collection
€15,000-25,000 (£11,718-19,531)
John Behan has explored many themes of ancient mythology, literature and legend. Each theme is moved to a depth of exploration,
the imbued meaning in the works derive from his own in-depth knowledge of his subject, which is translated into the shape and form
of his bronze work. John Behan is renowned for his many themed works, his great Bulls or Famine Ships, ‘Paiste’ and ‘Family’ are
other universal themes explored by Behan. In their simplicity of depiction they are created with an energy; great metaphors of life’s
journey. John Behan first created The Famine Ship to stand at the base of Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo. Fierce in impact, the hull of the
boat is birthed at land, the mast laden with the skeleton bodies of lost emigrants. In large or smaller scale The Famine Ship series
carries an indescribable depth of history, poignant loss and struggle for life. Commissioned by the Irish government to commemo-
rate the contribution of Irish emigrants worldwide, a 26-by-24-foot bronze themed piece on The Famine Ship entitled “Arrival” now
stands in the plaza in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York.