An exhibition of 94 magnificent Australian works of art is currently being hosted by Sotheby’s Australia at their new Melbourne headquarters to raise money for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, a world leader in cancer treatment, research and education.

Spanning a century from the 1840s to 1940s, the exhibition “A Distinguished Private Collection of Australian Art” features an exciting catalogue of important paintings, watercolours, drawings, and prints sourced from one of the nation’s most significant and historic private collections. 

Formed over two successive generations, the collection features undisputed masterpieces by such luminaries as Penleigh Boyd, Henry Burn, Nicholas Chevalier, Ethel Carrick Fox, E. Phillips Fox, S.T. Gill, Frederick McCubbin, W.C. Piguenit, and Eugene von Guérard.

Highlights of the exhibition include Frederick McCubbin’s “What the Little Girl Saw in the Bush” 1904, a whimsical depiction of a young girl’s encounter with two winged fairies in a densely wooded glade; E. Phillips Fox’s “Le Père Rivart et sa Grand-fille” 1905-1906, a delightful portrayal of familial devotion executed in soft luminous tones; and Nicholas Chevalier’s “Lake Colac and the Warrion Hills, from Corangamorah” 1863, a superb example of the great homestead portraits typical of the colonial period.

Commenting on the exhibition, Sotheby’s Australia Chairman and curator of this exhibition, Geoffrey Smith, said “It is both a personal and professional privilege to be granted full access to this remarkable and historic private collection. The exhibition provides a rare insight into the history and development of a major private collection of Australian art and the catalogue we have published provides a permanent record of its existence and significance. We look forward to welcoming the public for a first, and perhaps last, glimpse of this extraordinary collection.”

“A Distinguished Private Collection of Australian Art” will be on view for two weeks from 25 February to 8 March, with proceeds from ticket and catalogue sales to benefit the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation. The exhibition can be viewed at Anzac House, level 4, Collins Street, Melbourne.