Sleeping Diana (Circa 1935) Rosaleen Norton (1917 –1979 Attributed)

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Rosaleen Norton (1917 –1979)
Sleeping Diana (Circa 1935) Rosaleen Norton (1917 –1979 Attributed)
Circa 1935

About the Item

Attributed to Rosaleen Norton (1917 –1979) "Sleeping Diana" (Circa 1935) Oil on board This work attributed to Rosaleen Norton, is an early example of the one of Australia's most controversial artists of the 20th century who was in the youth of her artistic career. Influenced by Australia's foremost figurative painter of the 20th century Norman Lindsay, who possessed a reputation awash with controversy throughout his career. In 1934-1935 Norton was working as an artists' model for Norman Lindsay who had a studio at 12 Bridge Street, Sydney. This was less than a five minute walk from where Norton had taken up residence at The Ship and Mermaid Inn, 82 Gloucester Street, in the Rocks. The inn had a reputation as a colourful and boisterous establishment being a haven for artists and the bohemian societies, along with sailers and whalers. During this period Lindsay mentored and influenced Norton. This is quite evident in “Sleeping Diana,” the inn was also possibly a source of inspiration for this work, being in part the reference to the story of Ulysses and the sirens. Norton's curiosity toward the occult and mythology was in its infancy at this point in her life. Being only 17 years old it is apparent the influential role that Lindsay’s work played in establishing her own artistic practices. Lindsay’s work frequently dealt with themes of mythology and the occult along with that of the witch. All of which would play a crucial influence in the formative years of her artistic career. Cecily Boothman, Norton's older sister noted that she would also travel to Lindsay's Springwood studio in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, for further modelling and guidance in her own works. Lindsay regarded Norton's supernatural works as rough and unsophisticated, but said there was no doubting his influence on her style. This work was likely conceived at the Springwood studio of Lindsay or influenced by visits to the estate. As Lindsay's extensive gardens and distinctive architecture have a significant compositional element within the work. THE FRAME: Upon inspection, the work appears to have been produced to accomodate a pre existing frame. It is probable that this frame was constructed by Rose Lindsay, the wife of Norman Lindsay, who was known to create elaborate bespoke mouldings for her husbands works. The frame is custom built in the Cassetta style, with gold floral motifs, drawing inspiration from Italian Cassetta frames of the 17th century. A known source of inspiration for Rose Lindsay. SIGNATURE & MARKINGS: Although this work does not posses her signature to the front of the painting, “Rowie” is signed twice verso on a fragment of paper to both the frame and the painting. Scribe marks and paper are protected with an acetate film. It is important to note that Rosaleen Norton, like may artists, did not sign all her works and this has certainly been the case with several pieces that have passed through our gallery as well as the open market. The name "Rowie” is a shortened name that was used between Rosaleen and that of her closest friends and family. The biographer Neville Drury notes the spelling as Roie, however it is well documented that the correct spelling was “Rowie". There are also distinctive similarities in Norton’s handwriting and signature to this signing. The attribution of this work has been resolved through ongoing research, personal interest and knowledge gained through past dealings in the works of Rosaleen Norton. Norton’s earliest works are rarely documented and often overlooked as they do not posses the intense occult themes and ideologies of her later works. They are specifically, a reflection of her environment and developing subject and style. Full supporting documentation of the attribution is available upon request. CONDITION: The painting is in a good condition. The bespoke frame has a warp along the length of the frame and there are some repairs. All commiserate with age. This print has been recently cleaned and conservationally framed, it is in exceptional condition. The frame is glazed with anti-reflective invisible glass "artglass AR70" which has UV Block of 70% Visible Light Transmission of 99% and a Reflection of 1%. Both the painting and the bespoke hand painted frame are exceptional! PROVENANCE: Private Collection Sydney Australia Framed Size: H 63 cm x W 76.5 cm x D 3.5 cm Image Size: H 37 cm x W 50 cm

Creator:
Rosaleen Norton (1917 –1979) (1917 - 1979)
Creation Year:
Circa 1935
Dimensions:
Height: 24.81 in (63 cm)Width: 30.12 in (76.5 cm)Depth: 1.38 in (3.5 cm)
More Editions & Sizes:
Image Size: H 37 cm x W 50 cmPrice: $8,500
Medium:
Oil,Board
Movement & Style:
Romantic
Period:
1930-1939
Condition:
The painting is in a good condition. The bespoke hand painted frame has a warp along the length of the frame and there are some repairs. All commiserate with age.
Gallery Location:
Pymble, AU
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU97716077652