Roberts was a supreme technician, but also an artist with enormous sensitivity. His work ranges from topographical views of some of Ireland’s most celebrated and picturesque locations, to idealised landscapes, dramatic storm scenes and series of views of some of Ireland’s finest demesnes (Carton, Lucan, Dartry). He painted views in Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, and all along the length of Lough Erne, from Belturbet to Ballyshannon. Each work displays the artist’s deftness and sureness of touch, and an extraordinary skill in the description of natural detail.

His landscapes are distinctly Irish in character, perhaps because, having trained at the Dublin Society’s School, he spent the vast majority of his short working life in Ireland. There has not been a major exhibition of his work since 1978 when the Gallery celebrated the bicentenary of his death, so this exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to review this Irish artist of exceptional ability