McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17 exhibition is a fresh look at Frederick McCubbin’s late work. It concentrates on the last 11 years of his life when he produced his most vibrant works, ones which express his sense of delight in, and comfort within, the Australian landscape.

The first comprehensive McCubbin exhibition in 18 years, and the first to focus on his later works, McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17 features 72 works from all the major galleries in Australia, including several from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection, and 25 rarely publicly displayed works from private collections.

For well over a century, Frederick McCubbin has been one of Australia’s best-loved artists. Born in Melbourne in 1855, he was the city’s first major painter, and together with other iconic Australian impressionists, was a leader in the visual arts in the 1880s and 90s. In 1907, his work changed radically after he viewed the works of Turner, Constable and Monet on a trip to Europe. McCubbin’s subjects became more modern, he painted with brighter colours and his paint handling techniques were more experimental and adventurous - especially in his use of a palette knife.

McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17 surveys a range of joyous paintings covering landscapes, seascapes, views of docks and industry, city life, portraits and interiors. It includes some of Australia’s greatest works of the Federation period, as well as a number of McCubbin’s intimate sketches.

Visit the NGA McCubbin Media Centre.

Reviews

Transcript ABC The 7.30 Report - 12 August 2009

'Exhibit showcases McCubbin's lesser known works'.

Transcript ABC News Online - Sunday 1 November 2009

'McCubbin exhibition breaks all records'.

Transcript www.perthnow.com.au -

27 November, 2009 09:00pm

Jan Hallam, in STM Entertainment

'The circle closes' .

Transcript www.perthnow.com.au -

5 December, 2009 07:00pm

Jan Hallam in STM Entertainment

'How the light gets in'.

Frederick McCubbin

The Old Garden c1910

oil on canvas

56 x 91.5cm

State Art Collection,

Art Gallery of Western Australia

Purchased with funds
from the Great Australian
Paintings Appeal, 1978

Frederick McCubbin

Winter Sunlight 1908

oil on canvas

50.8 x 76.2 cm

Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide,

gift of TC Lothian, 1960 (O. 1889).

McCubbin Image Gallery

Frederick McCubbin
Collins Street c 1915
oil on canvas on cardboard
25 x 35.3 cm
Geelong Gallery, Victoria
HP Douglass Bequest Fund, 1945

Frederick McCubbin
The old slip, Williamstown
1915
oil on canvas
92.5 x 117.5 cm
private collection

Frederick McCubbin
The cottage children (Rain and sunshine)  1910
oil on canvas
74.7 x 49.5 cm
Private collection

Publications

McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17 catalogue.

McCubbin: Events and Public Programs brochure.

Discovery Trail - download an educational resource for primary school teachers.

Secondary School Education Resource - download the kit that introduces teachers and students to the work of this significant Australian artist.