Eucalyptus in Art: A Visual History from 1788 to 2026
A photo essay by The Guardian explores the representation of eucalyptus trees in art from 1788 to 2026. The collection begins with an engraving of Eucalyptus obliqua, created by Pierre Joseph Redouté and Francois Hubert, which is based on specimens collected during Cook's second voyage in Tasmania. In 1864, Alexander Schramm's 'The Gilbert Family' features a towering gum tree, symbolizing dominance. Louis Buvelot’s 1875 work 'Gisborne Hill' had a significant impact on Melbourne artists. Robert Prenzel's 1915 piece 'Cockatoo' combines art nouveau with Australian elements. Arthur Streeton's 1928 artwork 'Last of the messmates' advocates against logging. Hans Heysen's 1933 'Red hills of Aroona' showcases central Australia, while Margaret Stones' 1963 illustration celebrates Kew Gardens. Recent contributions include Hector Burton's 2013 'Puṉu-ngura' and Mervyn Rubuntja's protest artwork from 2024.
Key facts
- First European scientific description of eucalyptus published in 1788 by Charles-Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle.
- 1788 engraving of Eucalyptus obliqua by Pierre Joseph Redouté and Francois Hubert based on specimens from Tasmania.
- Alexander Schramm's 1864 'The Gilbert Family' commissioned by Barossa vine grower Joseph Gilbert.
- Louis Buvelot's 1875 'Gisborne Hill' praised for depicting eucalyptus character.
- Robert Prenzel's 1915 'Cockatoo' carved in 'gumnut nouveau' style during WWI.
- Arthur Streeton's 1928 'Last of the messmates' accompanied by article decrying logging.
- Hans Heysen's 1933 'Red hills of Aroona' changed public sentiment towards central Australia.
- Margaret Stones became principal botanical artist for Kew Gardens in 1951.
- Shay Docking's 1975 series inspired by Ku-ring-gai Chase national park.
- Hossein Valamanesh's 2005 'Nesting' explores duality of immigration.
- Hector Burton's 2013 'Puṉu-ngura' part of initiative to paint trees instead of Tjukurpa.
- Mervyn Rubuntja's 2024 'No More Give Away' protests mining on Indigenous land.
- Wendy Hubert, Yindjibarndi elder, began painting in 2017.
- Wanapati Yunupiŋu pioneered etching into stringybark with rotary drill in 2025.
- Jane E Brown's 2026 series uses eucalyptus oil as developing agent.
Entities
Artists
- Pierre Joseph Redouté
- Francois Hubert
- Charles-Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle
- Alexander Schramm
- Joseph Gilbert
- Louis Buvelot
- Frederick McCubbin
- Arthur Streeton
- Robert Prenzel
- Hans Heysen
- Margaret Stones
- Shay Docking
- Hossein Valamanesh
- Hector Burton
- Mervyn Rubuntja
- Wendy Hubert
- Wanapati Yunupiŋu
- Jane E Brown
- Russell Grimwade
Institutions
- State Library of Victoria
- Art Gallery of South Australia
- Bendigo Art Gallery
- National Gallery of Victoria
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
- The University of Melbourne Art Collection
- Kew Gardens
- Curtis's Botanical Magazine
Locations
- Lutruwita
- Tasmania
- Australia
- England
- Barossa
- Pewsey Vale
- Gisborne Hill
- Mount Macedon
- Melbourne
- Dandenong Ranges
- Flinders Ranges
- Adnyamathanha Country
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Ku-ring-gai Chase national park
- Hawkesbury river
- Sydney
- Iran
- Pilbara
- Gurruma Country
- Biranybirany
- Madarrpa Country