Lot 21

Work is in very good condition. A small, transparent drip mark is present on the surface in the top right hand corner (approx. 4cm in length). Well framed, with overall measurements 140 x 110cm.
(LEONARD JOEL CONTACTLESS DELIVERY $110 within 20km of Melbourne premises)


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 inspect articles for sale at our pre-sale viewing where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice.
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 Collection of Moonee Valley Racing Club, Melbourne (label verso)

Robert Dickerson's contribution to the arts extends across six decades as one of the most celebrated leading Australian painters from the 20th century. Predominantly as a figurative painter, he saw the development of the influential artist group, The Antipodeans, in the 1950's with Arthur Boyd, Charles Blackman, John Perceval and John Brack as main exponents. Dickerson has been widely praised and iconically known for his honest portrayal of his subjects, drawing on relatable themes from everyday life.
Born into economic hardship, Dickerson left school at the age of 13 to work in a local factory. As the eldest son during the Depression Era, Dickerson trained as a boxer and soon joined a travelling boxing group in search of lucrative earnings to help support his family. Before long, World War II commenced, taking Dickerson away from his homeland. While he had hopes of becoming a pilot, he instead served as a guard for three years in Indonesia. Documenting his experiences through drawing, Dickerson felt compelled to capture the suffering of the local people, particularly the innocent children he encountered on a daily basis. Using boot polish and camouflage paint he began his journey as an artist.
Upon returning home to Australia, Robert Dickerson worked odd jobs whilst practising art on the side. It wasn't until 1957 that he made his first income from art, winning 100 pounds in a fridge painting competition in the Australian Women's Weekly. He used this prize money to place a bet on a winning horse, providing him the finances to pursue his career seriously.
Painting and punting remained Dickerson's two loves in life, each driving the other. This was recognised when he was offered the artist-in-residence position at the well-regarded Moonee Valley Racing Club for the 2001-02 season, marking the creation of Punter in the Green Jacket. The impact of this work is immediate; crisp blues reflect the clean air and early morning, while deep lush greens depict the perfectly manicured track, on which stands a cluster of figures next to a sprightful horse awaiting its next race. In the foreground, a punter in a green jacket beams at the viewer, with a weariness in his eyes, revealing a life-long commitment to the sport.
Although celebrated as a figurative painter, Dickerson was also a realist. Often painting in a monochromic palette, Dickerson presented honest and raw portraits, addressing sober themes surrounding vulnerability, despair and the human condition. This work exemplifies Dickerson's ability to react to everyday scenes, an almost metaphysical quality perhaps as a result of living at such a height of awareness.
Settling at an 81 Hectare property in Nowra, New South Wales, Dickerson began training and breeding horses while continuing to paint until his death in 2015. In 2013 Dickerson was awarded an OA for his contributions and achievements to the visual arts in Australia, and he was also recognised for the many charities he supported.

Lucy Foster / Art Specialist