Early Life and Training

Tom Roberts, a renowned English-born Australian artist, was born on 8 March 1856 in Dorchester, Dorset, England. His birth certificate indicates this date, although his tombstone is inscribed with 9 March. Roberts migrated to Australia with his family in 1869, settling in Collingwood, Melbourne, Victoria.

Artistic Career and Influences

Roberts worked as a photographer's assistant during the 1870s, while studying art at night under Louis Buvelot. He befriended prominent artists, including Frederick McCubbin. In 1881, Roberts returned to England for three years of full-time art study at the Royal Academy Schools. He traveled to Spain in 1883, meeting Spanish artists Laureano Barrau and Ramon Casas, who introduced him to Impressionism and plein air painting.

Notable Works and Contributions

Roberts is best known for his "national narratives," including:

• Shearing the Rams (1890), a masterpiece of Australian impressionism, held at the National Gallery of Victoria's Australian art collection, in Federation Square, Melbourne.
• A break away! (1891), showcasing Roberts' ability to capture the national life of Australia.
• Bailed Up (1895), another notable work, demonstrating his skill as a portraitist.

  Legacy and Impact

  Roberts was a leading figure in the Heidelberg School, a group of over 20 Australian impressionist artists. His contributions to Australian art are undeniable, with Tom Roberts' 98 artworks showcased on WikiArt.org. The National Gallery of Victoria, featured in WahooArt's collection, holds many of his notable works.

  Key Links and References

  • Tom Roberts - Wikipedia
  • WahooArt's Tom Roberts Collection
  • Tom Roberts' Artworks on WikiArt.org Important Note: This article is based on the available information and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. For further reading, please refer to the provided links.

Early Life and Training

Tom Roberts, a renowned Australian artist, was born on March 8, 1856, in Dorchester, Dorset, England. His family migrated to Australia in 1869, settling in Collingwood, Melbourne. Roberts' artistic journey began with studying art under Louis Buvelot in Melbourne. He later traveled to Europe in 1881 to further his training, returning home in 1885, "primed with whatever was the latest in art."

Key Contributions and Notable Works

Roberts played a pivotal role in establishing the Heidelberg School, also known as Australian Impressionism. He pioneered en plein air painting, encouraging fellow artists to capture Australia's national life. Some of his most notable works include:

• Shearing the Rams (1890), a masterpiece of Australian impressionism, showcasing strong, masculine labor.
• A break away! (1891), another national narrative, highlighting Roberts' skill in capturing the essence of Australian life.
• Bailed Up (1895), a significant work that solidified Roberts' position as a leading figure in Australian art.

Legacy and Impact

Roberts' contributions to Australian art are undeniable. He was the first to push for an Australian National Portrait Gallery. In 1903, he completed The Big Picture, a commissioned work that remains the most famous visual representation of the first Australian Parliament. Notable Exhibitions and Collections:

• Tom Roberts' Artworks on WahooArt.com
• Tom Roberts' Biography on Wikipedia
• National Gallery of Victoria's Australian art collection, held at the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square, Melbourne.

Conclusion

Tom Roberts' legacy as a pioneer of Australian Impressionism remains unparalleled. His national narratives continue to inspire and influence generations of artists. Through his work, Roberts has cemented his place in the annals of art history, ensuring his artistic vision endures for years to come.