Lot 18

The Hunter Collection, Adelaide
Thence by descent

Nora Heysen established a distinguished career across portraiture and still life, bringing to both a strong sense of composition and an assured handling of colour and form. In 1938, at the age of twenty-seven, she became the first woman to win the Archibald Prize, and five years later was appointed the first Australian woman official war artist. Alongside these achievements, still life remained an important part of her practice.

Flowers were a favourite subject for Heysen, appearing in her work from an early age and continuing throughout her life. She preferred to paint them directly from life, often gathering flowers and arranging them herself before beginning to work. Heysen approached each arrangement as a whole, considering the relationship between colour, form and space rather than concentrating solely on individual blooms. From simple arrangements to generous bouquets, her still lifes reveal a close observation of her subject and a particular sensitivity to colour.

Painted in 1960, the present work reflects Heysen's enduring interest in the floral still life. Roses and smaller garden flowers are loosely arranged within a ceramic jug, bringing together soft pinks and whites with touches of red and blue. The flowers retain a natural informality, with stems leaning and overlapping and several blooms extending beyond the central arrangement. Set against the softly painted interior, the bouquet becomes the focus of the composition, capturing the colour and abundance that held such a lasting appeal for Heysen.

The painting formed part of the private collection of Adelaide art patrons Tom and Elizabeth Hunter. Collectors of Australian and Asian art, the Hunters assembled a significant collection over many years and were longstanding supporters of the Art Gallery of South Australia. In 2009, fourteen works of Australian art from their personal collection were donated to the Gallery, reflecting their contribution as both collectors and patrons. The present painting remained within the Hunter family collection.

Hannah Ryan
Senior Art Specialist