Modification of Tone and Hue – James Ward Abstract Irish Art Print (1912)
The same red. Four times. Four completely different colours. Ward proved what every Irish eye already knows — that nothing exists in isolation.
In 1912, James Ward set out to demonstrate one of the most radical ideas in colour science: that a colour is never just itself. It is always shaped by what surrounds it. Modification of Tone and Hue of a Colour when Placed on or near Different Colours shows the same red square placed on green, black, blue and gold — and each time, the red transforms. It is art as optical proof, and it is quietly extraordinary.
Ward was born in Belfast in 1851 and went on to become one of Ireland's most influential artists and educators. As headmaster of the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art, he taught and inspired a generation — among them Harry Clarke and Seán Keating, two of the most celebrated names in Irish art history. His murals in Dublin City Hall remain among the great works of Irish public art. This painting was made at the height of his powers, during a period of bold experimentation that placed him at the forefront of Irish modernism.
This is not decoration. This is Irish colour science — on your wall.
Print & Framing Options
-
Unframed: Printed on 200 gsm archival matte art paper, rolled and shipped in protective packaging.
-
Framed – Natural Wood: Warm oak frame with white mat border. Ready to hang.
-
Framed – Black: Sleek black frame with white mat border. Ready to hang.
-
Framed – White: Clean white frame with white mat border. Ready to hang.
Print Specifications
-
Paper: 200 gsm archival matte art paper, acid-free.
-
Finish: Soft, non-reflective surface that enhances colour depth.
-
Inks: Giclée pigment inks for crisp detail and long-lasting colour.
-
Edition: Open edition print.
Available Sizes
-
12×12″ / 30×30 cm — ideal for shelves, desks or paired sets.
-
20×20″ / 50×50 cm — bold statement for any room.
-
28×28″ / 70×70 cm — gallery scale, commands a wall.
Why This Print
-
Authentic Irish art: A work by one of Ireland's most important early modernist artists.
-
Genuinely rare: A colour theory demonstration that doubles as a bold, graphic work of art.
-
Conversation starter: Nobody walks past this without asking about it.
-
Meaningful gift: For anyone with a love of Irish art, design history or the science of how we see.
Shipping & Delivery
-
Free worldwide delivery on all prints.
- Unframed prints rolled and shipped in protective tube packaging.
- Framed prints securely boxed for safe delivery.
- Processed and dispatched within 2–5 business days.
