Impressionism- Audio Guide

In Shearing the rams, Tom Roberts painted the mainstay of the Australian colony.

In this portrait of bereavement, Frederick McCubbin has characterised both loss and hardship. The scenario seems initially clear but the painting leaves us to speculate on the nature of the relationships.

The 9 x 5 impression exhibition set out to educate the Australian public in international art practice.

Here is a late 19th century artist who could paint children who were not lost or destitute or dead but exhibiting good-humoured curiosity, the hallmark of a happy childhood.

Arthur Streeton was a fan of the English poet Percy Shelley as revealed in this painting’s title. Immediately hailed as a masterpiece, the painting’s reputation has endured.

Arthur Streeton and Sydney were each other’s gift. Sydney provided the perfect outdoor subjects for an Impressionist and Streeton become the champion of Sydney Harbour, painting it in all its moods.

This painting was one of Streeton’s few nods to symbolism. His allegorical Spirit of the Drought is placed on an Impressionist landscape and to that landscape he remained true.

Australian composer Marshall Hall was an advocate for Australian Impressionist art and an admirer of Arthur Streeton, buying several of his works. Streeton returned the compliment with this searching portrait.