Lot 50

Leonard Joel, Melbourne, 23 May 1979, lot 1062
Private collection, Melbourne
Thence by descent

Ida Rentoul Outhwaite was a pioneering Australian illustrator known for her enchanting depictions of fairies, mythical creatures, and whimsical bush landscapes. Drawing inspiration from European folklore and the unique flora and fauna of Australia, her work is distinguished by delicate linework, luminous watercolours, and an ethereal sense of fantasy.

Outhwaite first gained recognition illustrating children's books written by her sister, Annie R. Rentoul. Her breakthrough came with 'Elves and Fairies' (1916), a volume that highlighted her mastery of both pen and ink and watercolour. Throughout her career, she collaborated with several authors, including her husband, Grenbry Outhwaite, producing works such as 'The Enchanted Forest' (1921) and 'The Little Green Road to Fairyland' (1922).

Her illustrations, often featuring elegant fairies, mischievous sprites, and anthropomorphised animals, reflect the influence of Art Nouveau while maintaining a distinctly Australian sensibility. Outhwaite's ability to capture the imagination of children and adults alike cemented her legacy as one of Australia's most celebrated illustrators.

On the verso of this artwork 'The Water Baby's Cradle', there is a secondary study in ink that appears to be a book cover illustration for 'Barwon Ballads and School Verses' (1912), a collection of poems by James Lister Cuthbertson. While there is no evidence to suggest that Outhwaite contributed to any illustrations for the final published book, perhaps this study was one of the proposed illustrations that never made it to print.