Portraiture in early Victoria, 1834-1861 : a study of art and patronage in colonial society

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.