The Life of Bernard Mulrenin
Bernard Mulrenin was an Irish painter born in County Sligo, best known for his work in portrait miniatures. During his early career, he developed his painting and illustration techniques with support from his local community. To supplement his income as a painter, he worked for the Ordnance Survey in Ireland.
In 1825, Mulrenin moved to Dublin, where he exhibited works at the newly-established Royal Hibernian Academy within the same year. He was introduced to various politicians and creatives by Lady Morgan, including Thomas Moore and Amelia Curran. His business grew significantly in the 1830s following the death of John Comerford and the relocation of Samuel Lover.
Artistic Career and Contributions
Mulrenin received a court appointment from the Earl of Clarendon in 1848 and exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1851. He remained a frequent exhibitor at the Royal Hibernian Academy, contributing over 400 works during his lifetime. In 1859, he presented a paper to the Royal Dublin Society's fine arts section, arguing that photography could serve as an aide to portrait painting through a process of transferring negatives to marble and ivory.
His portrait subjects included individuals connected to Irish Nationalism, both Catholic and Protestant. Notable works include a portrait of Oscar Wilde's mother, which exhibited at the RHA. His subjects also encompassed figures such as King Lear and Fionn-ghuala.
