Bushrangers - William Strutt, 1852
William Strutt Bushrangers, Victoria, Australia 1852 (1887)
The University of Melbourne Art Collection.
Gift of the Russell and Mab Grimwade Bequest 1973,1973.0038.
As a key work in the University of Melbourne Art Collection, Bushrangers has been the subject of scientific and historical research carried out by staff at the Conservation Centre. The examination of preparatory drawings held by the University and in other collections, together with infrared analysis of the painting, provides important insights into Strutt's working processes.
Strutt's personal research as he prepared to paint Bushrangers included a substantial number of preparatory sketches. These are important documents in helping us to understand the making of the painting, and the artist's use of compositional formulas. The sketches also indicate Strutt's meticulous working method in developing his large historical works.
Infrared analysis indicated the earlier existence of a standing figure in the area at left that now contains the three bushrangers counting money.
William Strutt Sketch for Bushrangers, Victoria, Australia 1852 (1887)
The University of Melbourne Art Collection.
Gift of the Russell and Mab Grimwade Bequest
In 1999 an Australian Research Council RIEF Grant allowed for a more extensive investigation, by enabling the purchase of a Hamamatsu C2741-03 infrared vidicon camera.
Infrared analysis of Bushrangers revealed several important changes made by Strutt as he worked towards the final version of the composition. An examination of these changes in conjunction with some of the artist's preparatory drawings has offered valuable insight into the working methods of William Strutt.
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William Strutt Bushrangers, Victoria, Australia 1852 (1887)
(detail with infrared section)
The University of Melbourne Art Collection.
Gift of the Russell and Mab Grimwade Bequest.