A major exhibition of Irish art - some dating back to the 17th century - is to be staged at the new-look Ulster Museum in Belfast next year.
Works by Jack Yeats, Paul Henry, Gerard Dillon, Sir John Lavery and Louis Le Brocquy will be among those going on show.
Important British and Irish art will also feature among the 17O paintings from the museum's own collection, staff revealed.
They include JMW Turner's Dawn of Christianity (Flight Into Egypt), Lavery's celebrated Under The Cherry Tree, and Francis Bacon's Head II.
A special publication detailing and illustrating all the works is being prepared.
Almost 150,000 people have visited the museum since it re-opened last October after undergoing a multimillion-pound refurbishment.
It was marked by a landmark retrospective show by the world-famous abstract artist Sean Scully which runs until mid-February.
Staff say the display of Irish art starting in the spring will confirm Belfast as a leading venue for outstanding international art.
Tim Cooke, director of National Museums Northern Ireland, said: ‘It is an inspirational selection of work. It will showcase world-class art to visitors from home and abroad.’
Kim Mawhinney, head of art for National Museums Northern Ireland, said: ‘The Scully exhibition has achieved widespread international acclaim. It is fabulous to have such a major exhibition in Belfast.’
