A small 19th century engraving after a portrait of Irish political leader and activist, Daniel O’Connell. Often known as the Emancipator or the Liberator, O’Connell, was best known for campaigning for Catholic emancipation and for arguing for the repeal of the Act of Union, 1800.

Daniel O'Connell was born near Cahersiveen, County Kerry, on 6th August 1775. The O'Connell family were members of the Irish Catholic aristocracy in Ireland. Although Daniel's family were fairly wealthy, discriminatory legislation denied the O'Connell family status, opportunity and influence.

While enrolled in Lincoln’s Inn, London, O’Connell became increasingly interested in politics and in 1798 he qualified as a lawyer.

By this time, he was fully committed to religious tolerance, freedom of conscience, democracy and the separation of Church and State. He became involved with the United Irishmen, a group that had been inspired by the French Revolution.

In 1823 Daniel O’Connell, Richard Lalor Sheil and Thomas Wyse formed the Catholic Association. The Catholic Association campaigned for the repeal of the Act of Union, the end of the Irish system, universal suffrage and a secret ballot for parliamentary elections.

O’Connell was also active in the campaigns for prison and law reform, free trade, the abolition of slavery and Jewish emancipation.

Many portraits were commissioned of O’Connell during his lifetime and these lithographs would have been a way for the wider population to show their support for O’Connell and all that he represented.

Diameter of frame 28cm. Some age related spots and marks to the paper etc. The back is still sealed, though the paper is very browned.

Please note the glass has reflected in the photographs which may look like discolouration.