Charles Conder: 1868-1909
The 9 x 5 Impression Exhibition

Conder exhibited some forty-six works in The 9 x 5 Impression Exhibition held at Buxton’s Galleries in Swanston Street, Melbourne, in August 1889. Many of these were painted on cigar box lids obtained from Louis Abrahams, whose family owned a cigar import and packaging business.

How we lost poor Flossie, 1889, is probably the most endearing of Conder’s exhibits. The subject of this witty narrative is the small terrier in the centre of the painting, greeting a larger dog. Flossie belonged to Conder’s friend Frederick McCubbin and, following its encounter with this unknown canine, was neither seen nor heard of again.

9 x 5 panels by Conder in this exhibition include: A dream of Handel’s Largo, 1889, humorously depicting Tom Robert’s efforts at playing the organ; Impressionists’ camp, 1889, showing Streeton and Roberts inside the dilapidated weatherboard farmhouse on the Eaglemont estate in Heidelberg; and Dandenongs from Heidelberg, c1889, a view which also captivated Streeton.

Charles CONDER
Great Britain 1868-1909
worked in Australia 1884-90
How we lost poor Flossie 1890 (with detail)
oil on panel
25.0 x 9.2 cm
Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide
Elder Bequest Fund 1941

 

Top image:

Charles CONDER
Great Britain 1868-1909
worked in Australia 1884-90
Dandenongs from Heidelberg c.1889
oil on composition board in original painted pine frame
11.5 x 23.5 cm
Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide
M.J.M. Carter Collection