Reclining blue figure
(c. 1930s)
Medium
watercolour over pencil
Measurements
(60.2 × 57.6 cm) (image)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1972
© Mary Cecil Allen
Gallery location
Not on display
Artwork Details
Inscription
inscribed in pencil (in image) l.r.: Mary Cecil Allen.
Accession Number
A9-1972
Department
Australian Prints & Drawings
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of the Joe White Bequest
Frame
Original, by T. S. Glasier & Co., Melbourne
Frame
The label, centre top reverse, remains on the original backing board. Typical of the simple aesthetic of frames in the 1930s, this one, on a watercolour, is in stark contrast to the framing by John Thallon of John Mather’s watercolours in the 1890s. (p.431.2-1)(15-2)(2003.475). Nevertheless, Thallon’s ledger for 1888–1903 details frames not unlike this, finished in white enamel with wide mounts for, among others, works by Bernard Hall. This simple half-round profile dates back to the early nineteenth century, with frames in this form being made from timber for the display of works on paper.
Note
1 Hilary Maddocks, ‘Picture Framemakers in Melbourne c. 1860–1930’ in vol. 1, Frames, Melbourne Journal of Technical Studies in Art, University of Melbourne Conservation Service, 1999.
Frame Details
Framemaker
T. S. Glasier & Co.
Union House, 284-6 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Date
1923–301
Materials
The frame is a thin, rounded, cream-painted wooden profile, on a large watercolour, using a wide, white matt. The frame sections are simply mitred and nailed at the corners.
Frame Condition
Good original condition.
Dimensions
85.6 x 83.3 x 2.0 cm; sight 81.9 x 79.5 cm