IMPORTANT AUSTRALIAN ART

The exhibition will be on view in Sydney from Friday 12 April – Wednesday 17 April, 10 am to 5 pm, at 30 Queen Street, Woollahra.

Among the highlights of the sale is William Dobell’s spectacular The Chamber Maid (1937) (lot 17, estimate $400,000–600,000, pictured above).

Dobell’s The Chamber Maid is one of his delightful, jewel-like compositions, created in London during the 1930s that established his reputation as an insightful observer of the mundane rituals and realities of everyday living as well as the theatrical and lively intercourse of social events and occasions.

Despite its relatively modest scale, The Chamber Maid offers a detailed and empathetic study of a subject that extolls respect and dignity. Much of the drawing is simply scratched into the wet paint with the handle of a brush, but all the wispy tiredness and frailty has been accurately noted and set down. The way in which it is actually painted adds to our understanding of the character.

The Chamber Maid was extensively published during Dobell’s lifetime and requested for loan for every major exhibition on the artist in Australia and overseas. Since 1970 the painting has remained largely hidden from view until now, re-emerging for public auction for the first time. We are particularly honoured to be entrusted with the sale of this rare and historic composition by one of Australia’s most celebrated artists.

The auction will be held at the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia, 111 Queen Street, Woollahra at 6.30 pm on 17 April 2024.

For more information, please contact: