Hamilton Gallery

Image: Jan Hendrik Scheltema, Holland/Australia (1861-1941)
The Drover c.1930
Oil on canvas
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Marshall 0821

Colonial Australian Paintings

Date
29 February – 24 May 2020

As Australia’s history lacks a classical past to reference to, these artists sought subjects that defined the Australian identity, such as our stunning landscapes and evolving local settlements. This group of works provide a fascinating insight into the emergence of Western agriculture as indicated by the domestic animals appearing so frequently as part of their composition. Nonetheless the uniquely Australian broad-vista landscapes remain the main focus of interest and the predominate subject of these works.