William Dobell | Queer Australian Art

William Dobell, The boy at the basin, 1932, oil on wood panel, 41.0 x 33.2 cm, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Image courtesy of Sir William Dobell Art Foundation.

Bio

Sir William Dobell (1899–1970) was an acclaimed painter known for his expressive and vivid portraits. He was an apprentice to an architect and studied in Sydney before leaving for Europe in 1929. In Europe he studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London under Henry Tonks and Philip Wilson. He paid close attention and studied works by Rembrandt, Renoir, Turner, Constable, Van Gogh and Ingres. During his time in London he developed a close friendship with the Australian artist Donald Friend.

In 1939 Dobell returned to Sydney after the passing of his father. After his return to Sydney he worked on a series of Australian ‘types’ that exuded the characteristics of the European tradition her had observed in London. He was conscripted in 1941 and served as an official war artist, documenting the efforts of the Civil Construction Corps. In 1942 Dobell shared an exhibition with Margaret Preston at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. In 1954 Dobell represented Australia at the Venice Biennale alongside Russell Drysdale and Sidney Nolan.