Lot 41

In good condition consistent with age. There is discolouration of the pigment especially in the sky area. There are cracks that have formed mostly in the seated female figure. A possible repair evident running vertically in the sky.
Overall framed size 120 x 162cm.
(LEONARD JOEL DELIVERY SIZE: EXTRA LARGE)


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Fine Art Under Instructions from F. J. Koehncke, Arthur Tuckett & Son Art Auctioneer, Melbourne, 17 August 1915, cat. no. 95
Private collection, Victoria
Thence by descent

Florence Harriet Fitzgerald was born in Brompton, London. Her father, John Anster Fitzgerald, was a painter of fairy lore whose work is found in the Tate, she was also a relative of Sir David Wilkie R.A. The artistic talents were passed on to Florence, who studied at the British Museum and the Royal Academy Schools before marrying fellow artist, Walter Follen Bishop in 1889.

After some ill-health, Walter was advised to escape the climate of England for a drier environment and so him and his wife set off for a trip to Australia. Here, they found not only a deep affection for Australia, specifically Adelaide, but so too a newfound audience to appreciate their work:
"…the Australian people have evinced a flattering appreciation of my work and that of my wife, and many of our most successful pictures have found a home in the Commonwealth"(1) (Walter)

Florence Fitzgerald was a significant female artist of her time with achievements that should not be overlooked. In addition to her academic studies, she was a member of the Royal British Colonial Society of Arts with a diploma of membership signed by King George V. Whilst there were just 100 members of this Society at the time, there were only three female members including Florence. Whilst she and her husband both enjoyed artistic success individually, Florence made the decision to practice under her maiden name rather than Florence Bishop. Walter was in full sort of this, stating "that is her maiden name, and as she had exhibited works in the Royal Academy and other leading English exhibitions before we were married, it was deemed inadvisable to change the name of the pictures. It is hard enough to make a name once without setting oneself do it twice"(2).

Florence sadly passed in 1927 leaving behind her beloved husband Walter. They were a devoted couple, who supported and inspired each other's respective artistic endeavours. However, whilst Walter's art has been chronicled in the pages of art history books, Florence is sadly remiss. Her paintings could rival that of any of her male counterparts, including even her husband. It is of special significance, therefore, to be able to feature the works of both Walter and Florence in this auction, side by side.

Olivia Fuller
Head of Art

(1) The Mail, "An English Artist in Australia", Adelaide, Saturday 8 March 1913, p. 13
(2) Chronicle, "Departing Artists", Adelaide, Saturday 17 May 1919, p. 13