The artwork titled “Our Escort into Glenaragh” is a genre painting by the artist Elizabeth Thompson, who is sometimes known as Lady Butler for her marriage to Sir William Francis Butler. It is part of the “From sketch-book and diary, by Elizabeth Butler. 1909” series and is reflective of the Social Realism art movement, which aims to draw attention to everyday conditions and encourage a sense of empathy among viewers.
The artwork is a black and white illustration that depicts a group of figures in a rural setting. Some figures appear to be carrying loads on their backs, potentially conveying a sense of the labor and struggle of everyday people, which is a common theme in Social Realism. The background features a vast, open landscape with what looks like mountains in the far distance. There is a clear depiction of a dynamic sky, suggesting wind or movement in the air. The details and shading create an impression of a rough and possibly bleak terrain, reflecting the strenuous circumstances that rural individuals might endure. The drawing has a title “In Achill” written on the bottom right, indicating the location depicted is Achill, an area possibly identified with Glenaragh. The signature “E.B.” can also be seen, attributing the work to Elizabeth Butler.
