Some photographs of the restored statues. pic.twitter.com/mRy7UfVUYQ
— Ronan McGreevy (@RMcGreevy1301) December 15, 2020
This morning.
Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin 2.
Finally.
Previously: Nubians Nobbled
Some photographs of the restored statues. pic.twitter.com/mRy7UfVUYQ
— Ronan McGreevy (@RMcGreevy1301) December 15, 2020
This morning.
Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin 2.
Finally.
Previously: Nubians Nobbled
Took a stroll this morning from Leinster House to The Shelbourne to celebrate the imminent reinstatement of the statues onto their plinths. Thanks to all who have contacted me in support of their return https://t.co/47iq5YDarP pic.twitter.com/wNGViPqFgP
— Michael McDowell (@SenatorMcDowell) September 24, 2020
This afternoon.
Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Senator Michael McDowell celebrates the imminent return of four statues depicting Nubian Princesses outside the Shelbourne Hotel which had been removed as they had been mistaken for slaves.
Previously: The Naked Truth
The Shelbourne Hotel this morning
This afternoon.
Further to the removal of four statues depicting Nubian Princesses and their ‘slaves’ outside the Shelbourne Hotel…
…One can only imagine the reference to Nubia arose from the fact that the hotel’s owners and architect would have been aware that many of ancient Egypt’s luxury commodities were sourced in the Nubia region – today divided between southern Egypt and Sudan – and that Nubian princesses had several times married into the Egyptian royal family.
In this context, the four statues in fact represented royal ladies, two from Egypt and two from Nubia, hinting at the lavish luxuries that awaited patrons within the new hotel.
It seems it is this reference to “Nubia” which has misled popular thought. The “nubian slave” is, indeed, a widely fetishised Orientalist visual trope of the 19th century.
The Nubian Slave by Antonio Rossetti, circa 1850
However, she differs from the Shelbourne statue in one important aspect: she is almost invariably (and with some degree of historic authenticity) represented nude….
One of the statues now removed from the Shelbourne Hotel
The lavish draping and jewellery of the Shelbourne statue clearly demonstrate it is not, nor was it ever intended to be read as a slave.
It is only to be hoped that those wishing in future to act – with the very best of intentions – in solidarity with positive societal movements might take a moment to ensure that their actions have basis in sound research. [More at link below]
Kyle Leyden.
London, UK.
Removal of statues from the Shelbourne (Irish Times Letters)
Yesterday: Slaves To Political Correctness
Further to reports and in the interests of clarity, the IGS was not consulted about the removal of statues from The Shelbourne Hotel. Such works require planning permission which we believe was not sought. The IGS has contacted DCC Planning urging them to address the matter. pic.twitter.com/2cftDLbffr
— Irish Georgian Society (@IrishGeorgian) July 28, 2020
Put the Nubians back.
Yesterday: Nubians Nobbled
Removed after 150+ years. Would hope these are destined for a museum? pic.twitter.com/hHczuiZ8tL
— Donal Fallon (@fallon_donal) July 28, 2020
This afternoon.
Shelbourne Hotel removes 153-year-old statues of slave girls from its plinth (Irish Times)
Meanwhile…
Donal can you explain something to me, am i right in thinking that Nubian denotes people from egypt/south sahara. 2 of the statues were Nubian princesses, the other 2 were their slaves. They should be taken down to be cleaned and nothing else. Idiots don’t even have a clue
— Sean Conneely (@inainmanathair) July 28, 2020
Meanwhile…
Bringing #Ireland's History to Life 🇮🇪
My colourised c1890s photo of the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin featuring the four bronze statues commissioned by the Shelbourne Hotel’s owner in 1867. They depict two Nubian princesses from the lower Nile and their slave girls holding torches. pic.twitter.com/yuaw8A2UI7— Rob Cross (@RobCross247) July 28, 2020
This afternoon.
Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.
A group of farmers calling themselves ‘Individual farmers from across Ireland’ has parked nine tractors around Stephen’s Green.
Traffic restrictions are in place around Stephen’s Green, Merrion Row and Kildare Street….
The Shelbourne Hotel at Stephen’s Green, Dublin moments ago.
Thanks Matt Stapleton, Tom B and Carlosfandango
Alan Mulvey writes:
All cordened off for the arrival of the Obama ladies…