Lot 1

A hole and paint loss centre left hand side near edge and another centre right hand side near edge, one spot of paint loss lower left edge. (118 x 149.5cm framed)


The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.

The National Australia Bank Art Collection

The Seventies: Australian Paintings and Tapestries From the Collection of National Australia Bank, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, 15 October - 28 November 1982

Lindsay, R. (ed.), The Seventies: Australian Paintings and Tapestries From the Collection of National Australia Bank, The National Bank of Australasia, Melbourne, 1982, pl. 64, p. 77 (illus.)
"Ronald Millar's early 1970s work has a lyrical romantic quality combining, as in his "Nude and Water" series, fragments of figuration of the female nude with abstracted patterns of flowers. These interchanging and floating reflections on the water are combined with abstract passages of luscious colour and textured paint. Ronald Millar sees these works as a rhythmic metamorphosis of the observed world. They are "a composite of many related images, a summary of feelings aroused and held for long enough to justify a visual celebration that also suggests the emotional one" (Artist's statement, Ronald Millar, "Civilized Magic", Sorrett Press, Melbourne, 1974, p. 132). In 1978 to 1979 Ronald Millar spent six months in France researching a book and preparing an exhibition which, around the theme of water-lilies was shown at the Mornington Peninsula Arts Centre. He was inspired by the great late Impressionist "water lily" paintings by Monet which reinforced his interest in lyrical use of colour and free painterly expressionism which appears to dissolve the reflected images into abstract patterning."
(excerpt, p. 77)