Lot 79

Leonard Joel, Melbourne, 24 May 1978, lot 134
Private collection, Melbourne

Unlike her composed images of landscape and industry, there is a sense of whimsical warmth and familiarity in this painting, guiding you through Jessie Traill's intimate life.
Jessie surrounded herself with like-minded creatives and often with similarly independent and adventurous women, including fellow artists, Violet Teague and Anne Montgomery. Her most cherished relationships were with her three sisters, Kathleen, Elsie and Minna. Whilst none of the sisters married, they held an unshakeable bond, intertwined by religious faith and compassion for each other. During the early 1900s Kathleen and Minna joined the Community of the Holy Name, spending their time in Cheltenham. Keeping a close bond, Jessie and Elsie shared cottages in Sandringham and Harkaway throughout their lives.

Hannah Ryan
Art Specialist