The artwork “Freedom to Ireland” created by Currier and Ives dates back to 1866. It falls within the Romanticism movement and is categorized as an allegorical painting. This visual work embodies the artists’ expression through a romantic lens, often characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism as well as glorification of the past and nature.
The image depicts a woman, allegorically representing Ireland, poised with dramatic emphasis. There is determination and strength in her expression and stance as she stands holding a large flag, unfurling it with her right hand while grasping its staff firmly in her left hand. Her attire is striking, with a dress that seems to blend symbolic elements, possibly referring to Ireland’s cultural heritage; the bodice resembles a fish scale pattern, and the skirt is adorned with shamrocks, evoking the natural emblem of Ireland. She wears a headpiece that appears to be made of flowers and leaves.
The bottom of the image contains text which reads, “From Erin’s isle the Saxon foe From Erin’s soil we swear to drive, In shame shall be forever thrown; Each tyrant from our shore shall go, The tyrants chains shall soon be riven; And Erin’s emerald isle shall be The home of Freedom in the sea.” On the right side, there’s a call to action to the sons of Ireland illustrated by a poem that also beckons Erin’s children to fight for the freedom of their native land. This image certainly encapsulates the spirit of Romanticism, imbued with strong emotional currents and patriotic fervor directed towards the concept of national freedom.