Themes and style A major theme of MacCarthy's was to explore the physicality of the female figure, something which was carried through his career, whether in the subject's private moments bathing or energetically modeling on the catwalk. Equestrian and marine subjects, animals of the Irish countryside, as well as aspects of Irish life such as the fair day were also creatively investigated. MacCarthy's appreciation of
Cellini,
Rodin,
Remington and
Stubbs can be seen in his early-period bronze sculpture with the work taking a robust and sensitive modelling manner, which was also underscored by the medium of clay. In later years MacCarthy switched to modelling in wax which allowed him a quicker and freer approach and he evolved a more mannerist style with the forms exaggerated often resulting in compositions that were unnaturally elegant. While primarily working in clay, and wax, MacCarthy also examined his core themes through the different mediums of limestone, copper and wood, with the latter two materials being used for more playful sculptural pieces. '',
World Heavyweight Champion, 2001,
Ballydehob,
County Cork.
Commissions Alongside gallery work, MacCarthy undertook public and private commissions. Some of these works included: •
Loughrea Uileann Piper, life-size male figure, bronze, Loughrea, Galway •
Ballinasloe Horse Fair – Horse and Handler, life-size horse and male figure, bronze, Ballinasloe, Galway •
Jack Lynch, B/L, T.D., An Taoiseach, life-size figure, bronze, Blackpool, Cork • ''Danno O'Mahony – World Champion Wrestler'', life-size male figure, bronze, Ballydehob, Cork •
Thomas Kent, life-size bust, bronze, Kent railway station, Cork •
Heron in the Reeds, limestone and bronze, Inchy Bridge, Timoleague, Cork •
Tony Reddin, low-relief portrait, bronze, Mullagh GAA Club, Galway •
Buttevent to Doneraile – First Recorded Steeplechase, commemorative plaque, bronze, Buttevent, Cork == Painting ==