Minister Martin's announcement of Cézanne acquisition at the National Gallery

Is mór an onóir dom chun sealbhú an phéinteáil iontach seo ag Paul Cézanne a fhógairt inniu.

One of the pivotal figures in the development of 20th Century painting, Cézanne was born in Aix-en-Provence in 1839. Success did not come early for him and he only gained positive attention relatively late in his artistic career.

This painting "La Vie des Champs" was completed in 1877 and is from an important stage in the artist's development. It was painted back in Aix en Provence where he could get away from his early disappointments and the critics in Paris.

His vision and his ability mean that Cézanne is not only a great painter in his own right but someone who had an enormous influence on the art of the 20th century. The inspiration he gave to all those who followed him was acknowledged by artists such Matisse and Picasso. Indeed, such was his influence that Henri Matisse referred to him as 'the father of us all'.

The acquisition of "La Vie des Champs" offers the Gallery the opportunity to present an early painting by this huge figure in Western art to a national and international audience.

The painting has an interesting and winding provenance, its ownership having traversed the Atlantic a number of times. It is fitting that it should now end its journey on the wall of a public gallery for all to see.

It is a wonderful addition to the National Collection and as the only work by the artist on public display on the island of Ireland, marks a significant milestone for our National Gallery.

Given Cézanne's enduring impact, I expect the painting to establish itself as a highlight of the collection. It will add to the richness of the overall collection, complement existing paintings in the Gallery and help the visitor get a more rounded understanding of the history of art.

Bringing a painting as impressive as this to the National Gallery's walls is not easily done. Artworks have to be carefully chosen both for their added value to the collection and with an eye to limited resources. This acquisition was funded by Departmental and Gallery resources with a very generous private philanthropic donation. I wish to commend all of those involved in bringing this about. In particular, I want to thank the private donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

Philanthropy and private donations have a key role to play in bringing artwork of this quality to the public. In addition to this painting, recent donations to the National Gallery include works by Sir John Lavery and Walter Osborne. I really hope that "La Vie des Champs" will inspire others to donate and help strengthen the national collection in all our national cultural institutions for the benefit of all.

The Gallery is all about making beautiful pieces of art accessible to all of us. It is somewhere I love to come and has inspired a love of art in many visitors, including, I believe, its new Director! The recently opened Lavinia Fontana exhibition brings a ground-breaking and pioneering female artist and her fabulous work to new audiences. It is an example of how the Gallery continues to innovate and entice visitors. I was very happy to support the Gallery in their ambition to stage that exhibition.

The good news is that the Gallery's visitor numbers have come back up after the Covid enforced closures, confirming its place in the hearts of Irish people as a much loved institution. The arrival of Cézanne will, I am sure, increase them further, bringing more people into the Gallery and closer to the other great artworks on permanent and free display.

Before I finish I want to pay tribute to the previous Director, Sean Rainbird, for his role in bringing this painting to public view for us all to enjoy. I am confident that his successor, Dr Campbell, will bring more great works to the Gallery in years to come and expand and grow its place in Irish cultural life.

Is ealaíontóir tábhachtach é Cezanne i bhforbairt na péintéireachta agus is iontach an rud é a bheith ar an mballa sa Ghailearaí Náisiúnta. Beidh mé ar ais chomh luath agus is féidir liom chun an pictiúr álainn seo a fheiceáil arís. Go raibh maith agaibh.