McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17

The first comprehensive McCubbin exhibition in 18 years, and the first to focus on his later works, McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17 features 72 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 first 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.