Design sketch of allegorical figure representing Sydney or NSW

SV/349

fonds

[approximately 1901]

Graphic Materials, Watercolours

9649518

1 watercolour - watercolour, pencil, - image 18.0 x 24.5 cm, on sheet 25.5 x 35.8 cm

Julian Rossi Ashton (1851-1942) was an English born art teacher and artist. He was the founder of the Sydney Art School (later named the Julian Ashton Art School). Ashton moved to Australia with his wife and son in 1878 and became an active member of the Sydney art community. He was President of the New South Wales Society of Artists from 1897-98 and 1907-21 and President of the Art Society of New South Wales from 1887 to 1892. He was also a trustee of the Art Gallery of NSW. In 1898 he organised exhibition of Australian Art in London, the first major international exhibition of Australian art.

The Society of Artists was a Sydney based group that held annual exhibitions from 1895 to the 1960s. The Society was formed by Tom Roberts in 1895 and was patronised by many of Australia's renowned of the time including Julian Ashton, Norman and Lionel Lindsay, Sydney Ure Smith and Sydney Long.

This work accompanied 'Wading', another work by Julian Ashton, until 2006.

References:
Vendor catalogue
Harper, Katherin, 'Ashton, Julian Rossi (1851–1942)', Australian Dictionary of Biography. http://adb.anu.edu.au (accessed 4 May 2020)
Society of Artists (Australia). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org (accessed 4 May 2020)

Private collection, Melbourne since the 1920s; Joan McClelland, Melbourne (acquired late twentieth century); Bridget McDonnell Gallery, Melbourne

Watercolour and pencil study, attributed to Julian Ashton, in art nouveau style featuring a woman in vermillion dress looking towards Sydney Heads. Her arm rests on a frame where the text for an invitation or exhibition catalogue would be printed. Symbols at the base of the image include the five stars of the Southern Cross on a shield, and the Waratah, the emblem of New South Wales. The background, woman's hair, edge of her dress and stars on the shield are all highlighted in gold.

It is unknown if this design was ever utilised in print form, however it is similar in style to other finished designs used by the Sydney Society of Artists, and is indicative of the art nouveau inspired work produced by Australian artists of the time for invitations, exhibition catalogue covers and posters.

Out of copyright:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Title devised by cataloguer based on contents

Attributed to Julian Ashton by the vendor based on artistic style and provenance.