33 - Arthur Boyd (1920–1999)

Arthur Boyd (1920–1999) Landscape with Birds Watercolor, gouache, and ink on paper, signed lower right, 20 x 24 cm Condition report: Framed, small tear in the upper left corner, areas of missing paint Arthur Boyd was an Australian painter born in 1920 into a family of artists. Largely self-taught, he developed an expressive style characterized by landscapes, human figures, and biblical and mythological narratives. After World War II, his work took on a darker and more personal tone. In the 1950s, he took a particular interest in Australian landscapes and social issues, notably the plight of the Aboriginal population. Beginning in 1959, he lived in England for several years, though he remained deeply attached to Australia. Upon returning to his homeland in 1971, he settled in Bundanon, whose landscapes became a major source of inspiration. His work—at once expressive, symbolic, and narrative—blends landscapes, figures, and stories to create a highly personal world. Arthur Boyd established himself as one of the major Australian artists of the 20th century and died in 1999.