Fred Williams' Post-London Landscape Vision
After five years in London, Fred Williams returned to Australia in late 1956 and saw the landscape anew. He recognized its place in a longstanding tradition yet ripe for reinterpretation, making it the focus of his mature practice. Painted soon after his return, 'The Nattai River' (1958) reveals his debt to Paul Cézanne, whose manipulation of pictorial space was an ongoing influence. The work is held by the National Gallery of Victoria.
Key facts
- Fred Williams returned to Australia in late 1956 after five years in London.
- He decided to focus on Australian landscape for his mature artistic practice.
- 'The Nattai River' was painted soon after his return, in 1958.
- The painting reflects influence of Post-Impressionist Paul Cézanne.
- Cézanne's manipulation of pictorial space influenced Williams.
- The work is in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria.
Entities
Artists
- Fred Williams
- Paul Cézanne
Institutions
Locations
- Australia
- London
- Nattai River
Sources
- NGV Blog —