Russell Drysdale
(England, Australia 07 Feb 1912–29 Jun 1981)
Sunday evening
- Other titles:
- Sunday Afternoon
- Location
- 20th & 21st c Australian art
- Further information
Painted shortly after Russell Drysdale settled in Sydney, 'Sunday evening' is one of his earliest works depicting outback themes. It reveals the emergence of a style and approach to subject matter that signalled a radical break from his
previous experiments as a student. Exemplifying Drysdale’s skill as a draughtsman, the painting also confirms the importance of the figure in his work throughout his career.Inspired by the empathy he felt for country people during the Depression, Drysdale depicted what he saw as the uniquely Australian qualities of life on the land. His approach in Sunday evening is influenced by fellow Australian artist Peter Purves Smith, by surrealism, and by the School of Paris artists Modigliani and Soutine. Drawing on these influences, Drysdale evolved his own distinctive vision of human existence on an ancient continent.
- Year
- (1941)
- Media
- Painting
- Medium
- oil on asbestos cement sheet
- Dimensions
- 60.0 x 76.0cm board; 75.3 x 92.0 x 6.0cm frame
- Signature & date
- Signed l.r. corner, black oil "Russell Drysdale". Not dated.
- Credit
- Purchased 1942
- Accession number
- 7217
- Copyright
- © Russell Drysdale Estate
