Dandenongs from Heidelberg

These four small oil paintings on panel were exhibited in Melbourne on 17 August 1889 in the 9 by 5 Impression Exhibition. The exhibition marked the beginning point of Australian Impressionism, with the ‘unfinished’ appearance of the works challenging previous understandings of art. These rare examples are by the three central figures of the Australian Impressionist movement, all of whom were interested in conveying momentary impressions of light and colour and capturing fleeting atmospheric effects. Many of the paintings adopted poetic and musical titles, such as Andante, to capture an underlying mood.

The title of the exhibition was inspired by the dimensions of a majority of the works, which had been painted on small, repurposed cigar-box lids (nine inches by five inches), and by their sketchy style. The works were displayed in rooms richly decorated in accordance with British Aestheticism, featuring Japanese screens and umbrellas, Liberty silk drapes and blue-and-white chinoiserie. This presentation approach was particularly inspired by the ideas of James McNeill Whistler.

Tracey Lock, Curator of Australian Paintings and Sculpture