National Gallery of Victoria art celebrated by Australia Post
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Five paintings by Australian artists drawn from the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) are being featured by Australia Post in a new stamp issue celebrating the 150th anniversary of the NGV.
Flowers have long been a favourite subject of artists and this stamp issue features a selection of vibrant floral still-life paintings which include A bunch of flowers 1930 by Nora Heysen, Camellias 1937 by Arnold Shore, Fruit and flowers circa 1924 by Vida Lahey, Still-life, Zinnias 1925-30 by Roy de Maistre and A cottage bunch 1930 by Hans Heysen.
The tradition of still-life flower painting dates back to the seventeenth century and throughout its long history artists have depicted the flower for many reasons. While the earliest floral still-lifes were rich in allegorical meaning, the nineteenth century saw the Victorians develop a new "language of flowers" that symbolised the emotions.
"The National Gallery of Victoria celebrates a major milestone in its history and it is a perfect moment for Victorians to celebrate their outstanding art collection and the achievement of artists. We are delighted that Australia Post is showcasing these beautiful works from the NGV collection. Floral still-life painting has a long history but underwent a remarkable revival in the 1920s and 30s, when artists explored the simplicity, colour and decorative appeal of flowers presented like this," said Director of the National Gallery of Victoria, Dr Gerard Vaughan.
The NGV was founded on 24 May 1861. For 150 years Australia's first public art museum has continued to flourish, and is recognised nationally and internationally for the breadth and significance of its collections. The NGV has collected Australian art since 1864. Its extensive collection of works by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists is housed in The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square in Melbourne, which opened in 2002.
The National Gallery of Victoria: Flowers stamp issue was designed by John White from the Australia Post Design Studio. John's recent stamp designs include Burke and Wills: 150 Years and the Queen's Birthday 2010 stamp issue. All five paintings are currently on display at the National Gallery of Victoria Australia at Federation Square.
The National Gallery of Victoria: Flowers stamp issue includes a first day cover, stamp pack, set of five maxicards, decorative gutter strip of 10 x 60c stamps, self-adhesive booklet of 10 x 60c stamps and a self-adhesive roll of 100 x 60c stamps. This stamp issue is available from participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 or online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps from 22 March 2011 while stocks last.
