Robert Dowling (1827-1886) holds a special place in the history of Australian art as its first locally trained artist.
He is known for his portraits of Australian colonial society, genre, oriental and biblical subjects, and important mid-19th century paintings of Tasmanian and Victorian Aborigines. Born in England, he migrated with his family to Tasmania at the age of seven. Showing early talent, at the age of 24, Dowling became a professional portrait painter. In 1857 he sailed for England for formal studies in London. Between 1859 and 1882, Dowling exhibited works at the Royal Academy as well as sending paintings to Australia, the earliest expatriate to do so.
This was the first publication dedicated to Dowling's work and was published by the National Gallery of Australia in conjunction with a major retrospective exhibition.
Hardcover book
Published 2010
192-pages
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