Gabriel Hayes (1909-1978) Portrait of a Young Boy Oil on board, 61 x 48.4cm (24 x 19'') Signed and dated 1949 Hayes was taught by Sean Keating at the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin, and his influence is seen in the realist tradition of this rare Co. Kildare artist’s work. Aside from painting, Hayes designed the new decimal coins in 1971 and was also an accomplished sculptor. She is perhaps best known for her bas relief panels on the facade of the Department of Industry & Commerce on Kildare Street in Dublin. She was awarded the Oireachtas gold medal for sculpture in 1977 and died in Dublin on the 28th of October 1978.