Bridget McDonnell Gallery

Modern Australian Paintings

2 - 21 September 2008

Features include
Arthur Boyd  The Prodigal Son 1946-47 - is a major painting by Boyd and was bought in the early fifties by his friends, Douglas and Anne Cairns, shortly after it was exhibited in the Blake Prize of 1951.  It hasn't been seen publicly since.  The painting is in original condition and still has its original frame made by Martin Smith.

Noel Counihan  Self Portrait  1971  - again a major painting by an important artist.  This self portrait is probably the most famous work by Counihan as it adorns the cover of his popular biography by Max Dimmack.  It was bought shortly after it was painted and has remained in the same collection until now.  There are two other works by Counihan from private collections.  A terrific pastel of a pensive English dancer, who stayed with the Counihans for a while until she became homesick and returned to England.  Groping Figure is the third work by Counihan included in this exhibition.  It is a strong drawing in protest to the Vietnam war.

Also featured are two Melbourne scenes by early Melbourne modernist Isabel Tweddle.  The largest is a lively depiction of the Victoria Market.  It was probably included in her exhibition at Arlington Gallery, London in 1933.  The smaller one is titled Rooftops and is a view over the Forum Theatre looking towards the bay, probably from the artist studio's in Collins Street. The view takes in St. Kilda Road and the sight where the Arts Centre is now. Both works are from the grandson of the artist.

We also have four works by Sidney Nolan.  Two are from private collections and include one of the finest Central Australian landscapes I have seen on the market for a long time.  It was bought from an exhibition in London in 1966 by the grandfather of the current owner.

Other works of interest include two William Robinson pastels bought from the Leveson Galleries in Melbourne in 1974.