Portraiture in early Victoria, 1834-1861 : a study of art and patronage in colonial society
Date
1994
Authors
Findlay, Elisabeth Ann
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In this thesis the history of portraiture in the British-ruled Australian colony of
Victoria is examined, focusing on the period 1834 to 1861. Portraits from early
colonial Victoria are analysed in their artistic and social context, with the emphasis
placed on the role of patronage. Arguments are advanced on the relationship of
portraiture to class and gender struggles, examining the portrait in terms of the
political, social and cultural values of the various groups within early Victoria.
Issues uniquely pertinent to colonial society and the mid-nineteenth century are also
raised, including the influence of Britain and the rise of photography and other
means of mechanical reproduction.
The thesis is divided into three volumes. The first is the text; the second the
appendices on the portraitists and the subjects/sitters; and the third is the 'Catalogue
of Portraits'. This catalogue forms the empirical base of the thesis and represents the
significant portion of the primary research. Most of the portraits listed in the
catalogue have not been examined elsewhere.
In the 'Introduction' the aims and parameters are outlined, with a discussion of the
scope of the thesis and the theoretical foundations. The first chapter presents a
survey of art and society in Victoria during the years 1834 to 1861 and provides a
background against which the portraits can be discussed. In the succeeding five
chapters major issues and types of portraiture are focused upon: 'Chapter 2' is
concerned with portraits of heroes and nineteenth century notions of hero-worship;
'Chapter 3' with family portraiture and the gentry; 'Chapter 4' with the impact of
caricature and the political portrait print; and 'Chapter 5' with the portraits of the
middle classes as well as the role of the portraitists. The final chapter discusses
portraiture as entertainment. In the 'Conclusions' the major themes are summarised,
recounting the most important findings on the history of portraiture in early Victoria.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Collections
Source
Type
Thesis (PhD)