Anne Madden, a leading Irish artist of the 20th century, has died at her home in Dublin at the age of 93.
A Life Dedicated to Art
Madden was renowned for her large-scale canvases, often inspired by the landscape of the Burren in County Clare and its ancient megalithic monuments. Her work demonstrated the influence of Abstract Expressionists from the United States and Europe.
Born in London in 1932 to an Irish father and an Anglo-Chilean mother, Madden spent her early years in Chile. She developed a deep connection to the Co Clare landscape during teenage visits, though a horse-riding accident and subsequent surgery resulted in chronic back pain.
A Partnership in Art and Life
In 1958, she married painter Louis le Brocquy. The couple relocated to the south of France, seeking a climate more favorable to Madden’s health. They eventually established a studio at Les Combes in Carros before returning to settle in Dublin.
Madden le Brocquy’s later work drew inspiration from diverse sources, including the Roman city of Pompeii, her garden in France, and classical mythology, notably the Odyssey.
Throughout her career, Madden le Brocquy exhibited widely, with solo shows at Taylor Galleries in Dublin, the Foundation Maeght in France, and numerous international venues. Retrospective exhibitions of her work were held at IMMA and the RHA, among others.
Described as a vivacious and generous hostess, Madden le Brocquy cultivated a broad network of friends in artistic, literary, and political circles. She was known for her independent spirit and resilience in the face of sexism.
Louis le Brocquy died in 2012. The couple had two sons, Pierre and Alexis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Anne Madden primarily find inspiration for her art?
She was known for her epic canvases inspired by the Burren in Co Clare and its megalithic monuments, as well as later inspiration from Pompeii, her garden in France, and classical mythology.
How long were Anne Madden and Louis le Brocquy married?
The couple were married for 54 years.
Did Anne Madden’s health ever impact her life or work?
A horse-riding accident in her teens led to spinal surgery and a lasting legacy of back pain, which influenced the couple’s decision to move to the south of France.
As the art world reflects on her extensive career, it remains to be seen how Madden le Brocquy’s work will continue to influence future generations of artists and shape the ongoing conversation about Irish art.
