(c) 2016 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston

Rune of Hospitality

primary Cuala Press (Irish, 1902 - 1946)

illustrator Jack B. Yeats (Tullylish, Ireland, 1871 - 1957, New York)

translator Kenneth Macleod (active Ireland, early 20th century)

Date1910-1925

Place MadeIreland, Europe

MediumInk and watercolor; handcolored wood block print

Dimensions17.7 x 11.5 cm (6 15/16 x 4 1/2 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston

Accession numberARC.011365

eMuseum ID724341

EmbARK ObjectID24304

Previous NumberXP20

TMS Source ID8863

Last Updated10/24/24

Status

Not on view

Web CommentaryThis small print displays the figure of Christ as a traveler, his worldly goods tied into a cloth on a stick, a simple Irish farmstead visible behind him. The text shares the lessons of a “Gaelic rune” in which the reader is cautioned that Christ may appear in a “stranger’s guise,” a reminder to respect and show generosity to visitors and newcomers. The Cuala Press was established in 1908 by Lily and Elizabeth Yeats, who were sisters of the Irish poet William Butler Yeats.

ProvenanceNotesEntered Isabella Stewart Gardner's collection at an unknown date.