Terms and Conditions
The artist, title and date of the work must be listed anywhere the image is reproduced:
John Russell
Almond tree in blossom (Amandier en fleur) (c. 1887)
oil on gold ground on canvas on plywood
46.2 × 55.1 cm
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
The Joseph Brown Collection. Presented through the NGV Foundation by Dr Joseph Brown AO OBE, Honorary Life Benefactor, 2004
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Where possible, the image must be reproduced in full (no cropping or over-printing). If you wish to use a detail of the work, a full reproduction of the work must also be reproduced elsewhere in the publication.
While the NGV believes this work to be in the Public Domain, it is the responsibility of the publisher to ensure that no further permissions are required for use.
For a complete list of terms and condition of use see the National Gallery of Victoria’s copyright policy.
Almond tree in blossom
(Amandier en fleur)
(c. 1887)
Medium
oil on gold ground on canvas on plywood
Measurements
46.2 × 55.1 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
The Joseph Brown Collection. Presented through the NGV Foundation by Dr Joseph Brown AO OBE, Honorary Life Benefactor, 2004
Gallery location
Gallery 20
Level 3, NGV Australia
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Longpré-les-Corps-Saints, Picardy, France
Inscription
inscribed (vertically) in pen and ink on paper label on reverse c.: John Russell / L' amandier sur fond or / No 65 (line under o)
Accession Number
2004.216
Department
Australian Painting
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation
Subjects (general)
Botanical Nature
Subjects (specific)
flowers (plant components) leaves (plant components) trees
Frame
John Russell’s Almond tree in blossom, 1887, came into the collection in 2004. The frame was a late 20th century two-toned cassetta style frame with false gold gilded sight and outer edge and black painted flat. (above)
The decision to reframe the painting came in preparation for the exhibition, Australian Impressionists in France, in 2013.
Given the date of the work (1888) and the close relationship Russell had with Vincent van Gogh at this time, it was felt that the frames used by van Gogh could provide a stylistic source. The original painted frame that remains on ‘Quinces, lemons pears and grapes’ (van Gogh Museum) was used as a model. The profile form and size of this frame amounted to a broad timber flat with sight edge bevel.
The prototype frame depth was given to be 30mm however due to the heavy rustic feel of the NGV frame, the back edge was bevelled to provide a more subtle transition between the dark timber and light gallery walls.
The frame members were selected to limit the presence of knots and cut to length using a drop saw. The slight inaccuracy in the mitres helped with the hand-made, rustic appearance intended for the frame. The timber, Douglas fir, was based on the Condition Report provided by the van Gogh Museum.
Considerable effort and revision went into the colour, distressing and finishing of the timber.
The frame was fitted in 2013. (top)
The painting was cleaned and restored in 2013.
Frame Details
Framemaker
Reproduction - crafted by the NGV
Date
2013
Materials
Timber (Douglas Fir)