McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17 is a fresh look at
McCubbin’s late work. It concentrates on the last 11 years
of his life when he produced his most vibrant works, ones
which express his sense of delight in, and comfort within,
the Australian landscape.
The fi rst comprehensive McCubbin exhibition in 18 years,
and the fi rst to focus on his later works, McCubbin: Last
Impressions 1907-17 features 76 works from all the major
galleries in Australia, including several from the National
Gallery of Australia’s collection, and 25 rarely publicly
displayed works from private collections.
For well over a century, Frederick McCubbin has been
one of Australia’s best-loved artists. Born in Melbourne in
1855, he was the city’s fi rst major painter, and together with
other iconic Australian impressionists, was a leader in the
visual arts in the 1880s and 90s. In 1907, his work changed
radically after he viewed the works of Turner, Constable and
Monet on a trip to Europe. McCubbin’s subjects became
more modern, he painted with brighter colours and his
paint handling techniques were more experimental and
adventurous - especially in his use of a palette knife.
McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17 surveys a range of
joyous paintings covering landscapes, seascapes, views of
docks and industry, city life, portraits and interiors. It includes
some of Australia’s greatest works of the Federation period,
as well as a number of McCubbin’s intimate sketches.

 

The exhibition runs from 11th December 2009 - 29th March 2010.