Australian Artists and Painters (#2): Frederick McCubbin
Why I Chose This Artist
The "Heidelberg School" produced some of Australia' greatest and best known artists at the end of the 19th Century. The most famous of these are, arguably, Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton.
However, my favourite of all these "Australian Impressionists" would have to be Frederick (The Prof) McCubbin, who, with Roberts was co-founder of the movement and the actual teacher and mentor to the likes of Streeton and Conder.
Frederick McCubbin's most well known paintings would be: The Pioneer (a triptych), On the Wallaby Track, The Letter, and Down on His Luck.
Frederick McCubbin (25 February 1855 – 20 December 1917) was an Australian painter who was prominent in the Heidelberg School, one of the most important periods in Australia's visual arts history.
Frederick was born in Melbourne, the third of eight children of Alexander and Ann McCubbin. As an adult worked for a time as solicitor's clerk, a coach painter and in his family's bakery business while studying art at the National Gallery of Victoria's School of Design. Here he met Tom Roberts (also to become one of Australia's most famous painters) while both studied under Eugene von Guerard.
He also studied at the Victorian Academy of the Arts and exhibited there in 1876 and again from 1879 to 1882, selling his first painting View Near Fisherman's Bend in 1880. During this period his father passed away, and the responsibility for running the family's bakery business fell on Frederick.
Despite this extra responsibility, McCubbin's work began to attract considerable attention and won a number of prizes from the National Gallery, including a first prize in the first annual Gallery students' exhibition, for best studies in colour and drawing. By the mid-1880s he concentrated more on painting the Australian bush, the works for which he became most noted.
In 1888, he became instructor and master of the School of Design at the National Gallery. In this position he taught a number of students who themselves became prominent Australian artists.
McCubbin married Annie Moriarty in 1889 and they had seven children. Their son Louis McCubbin became an artist and director of the Art Gallery of South Australia from 1936–1950, and a grandson, Charles, also became an artist
En plein air (French pronunciation: [ɑ̃ plɛn ɛːʁ]), or plein air painting, is a phrase borrowed from the French equivalent meaning "open (in full) air".
The Heidelberg School
The Heidelberg School was an Australian art movement of the late 19th century. The movement later was to become also known as "Australian Impressionism".
From 1885, Frederick McCubbin and Tom Roberts went on painting trips, camping at a farm at Box Hill, at Mentone on Port Phillip Bay and later in the Heidelberg area. Here they were joined by fellow artists Arthur Streeton, Charles Conder and Walter Withers
In 1891 an art critic named Sidney Dickinson was reviewing the works of local artists Streeton and Withers. Dickinson noted that these artists, along with others who painted en plein air in the Heidelberg area, could be called the "Heidelberg School". Since that time, the term has taken on a wider meaning covering all Melbourne and Sydney artists of the late 19th century inspired by the European Impressionist movement. Their paintings capture Australian life, the bush, and the harsh sunlight and deep shadows that typifies this country.
McCubbin (nicknamed 'The Prof' because of his philosophizing), was a major figure in the development of this iconic Australian school of landscape and subject painting that emerged at the close of the nineteenth century. His paintings always extolled the virtues and unheralded bravery of the pioneers and early settlers.
McCubbin creates an engulfing, claustrophobic landscape by barely suggesting any horizon and compressing midground and background. In contrast, the bush folk are portrayed as heroic figures."
— Thomas, David. 1986The Later Years
Frederick McCubbin was said to have a gentle presence, and the air of a poet and dreamer. He was kindly, sincere and single-minded in his outlook; he was energetic and a intelligent man, who liked to make others think and laugh; he was an avid and discriminating reader, particularly of biographies and classic fiction; he enjoyed talking on a wide range of topics.
He made a major change in his approach to his art when he returned to Melbourne after his first and only trip to Europe in 1907, aged 52. Of the works that he saw in London, he was very impressed with the landscapes of J.M.W.Turner, and the influence of Turner was to manifest itself in many of his later works. From 1907 to 1917 McCubbin produced his most brilliant works, ones which deeply expressed his love of the Australian landscape.
In May 1915, Frederick received a telegram notifying him that his brother, James, a purser on the Lusitania, was lost at sea with the sinking of his ship on 7 May. McCubbin, received a telegram on the same day, that informed him that his son, Hugh, was wounded at Gallipoli. These two items of bad news affected McCubbin greatly, and he suffered what he referred to as 'A bit of a breakdown'. He produced few large works after this time, and lost much of his inspiration for painting.
Soon after this his health began to decline and he was frequently suffering severe asthma attacks. It was thought that this asthma, and a bout of pneumonia late in 1917, weakened his heart, and he died aged 62, from a heart attack on 20 December 1917, at his home at 42 Kensington Road, South Yarra.
The Missing Masterpiece
Home Again, painted in 1884 by Frederick McCubbin, is the major painting of the artist’s early work. Its whereabouts were unknown until it in 1981 it was discovered to be in the possession of the Bickley family, who had owned it since shortly after it was painted. Both the McCubbin and Bickley families, were bakers and friends, and had travelled on the same ship from England to Melbourne.
Home Again, shows a woman responsible for her family’s livelihood, and is the first of McCubbin’s subject paintings, such as A Bush Burial (1890), On the Wallaby Track (1896), and The Pioneer (1904), that highlight the importance of pioneering women.
Painting Sold for Australian Record
In 1998 Frederick McCubbin's painting Bush Idyll (1893) was sold for over A$2 million.
Bush Idyll is a major narrative work by McCubbin, which shows the strong influence of the 'Naturalists' on his work. It was painted in 1893 in the bush at Blackburn, Victoria where McCubbin lived for 3 years. He had an open air studio adjacent to his home near the Blackburn Lake. in the far right of the work there is a glimpse of cattle grazing at the side of the lake.
One day McCubbin asked a local girl, Mary Cobb, to put on her "Sunday best'' to model for him. He painted her with a young boy of similar age, in working clothes and playing a tin whistle, as they lay on the ground near the lake.
The painting was first purchased in 1899 for 35 pounds by McCubbin's friend and fellow artist Louis Abrahams. Sir Hugh D. MacIntosh subsequently bought it for 262 pounds and 10 shillings in 1919 and took it to England where it was sold to a private collector and vanished from public view for nearly 60 years.
Before his death the wealthy owner bequeathed it to a farmer, who having no idea of the painting's value or importance took it to a Fine Art Gallery in Cambridge, from where it was purchased in 1984 by David Waterhouse for GB 150,000 pounds.
In 1998 Bush Idyll sold at auction for $2,312,500, a record price for any Australian painter. The painting is now in the U.S.A. and is considered to be one of the finest Australian works of art.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_McCubbin
adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mccubbin-frederick-fred-7328
www.artistsfootsteps.com/html/McCubbin_biography.htm
www.ngv.vic.gov.au/essay/home-again-by-frederick-mccubbin
Comments
Love the fine arts Jodah, and what an educational piece.. this is so worthy of and Editor's choice too.. hope they get it right and not overlook this hub my friend :)
I'm ashamed to say I've never heard of this guy, but his paintings are wonderful - full of life and texture. Nice Hub, John.
Fantastic artwork. Great job telling us the story here. Death by a broken heart seems like how this great artist would go. I am constantly dazzled and amazed how truly great artists convey. You included. If only I could go there.
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Well, you can now say you have heard of Frederick McCubbin, Colin. Thanks for your kind comment. Yes his work is incredible.
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I can see you are an appreciator of fine art Eric. In my opinion McCubbin was one of the best. I fear you may be correct that he died of a broken heart after hearing about his brother and son on the same day. His best friend had also passed away the previou year. Thanks for your generous words.
Incredible Hub! The photos and the interesting writing of the artist. I learned lots here.
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Glad you enjoyed this hub DDE. Thank you for reading and commenting so generously.
I love articles like this one, John! This is information I never would have known if not for you. Thank you!
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Thanks Bill, it is always good to be able to educate the teacher.
Hello John. This is another great article in this successful series. The paintings displayed show real depth of talent. It is good to know more about Australian artists as they are not household names here in the states.
Wonderful article about this for me unknown painter. The paintings are amazingly beautiful. You did a fine job in describing McCubbin and showing some of his paintings. Thanks, John!
I really enjoyed this work my friend. I am an artist and paint in acrylics. I also enjoy Rockwell and your artist reminds me of him in some ways. He dealt with humanistic subjects and communicated this just as McCubbin did so well. Thank you much for sharing this great article and fantastic pictures. whonu
This is a wonderful work of highlighting an artist unknown to me. My favorite pastime is going to art museums. I especially liked the white he used in the trees. It is amazing to me that many great writers and artists suffered with depression. Thank you for sharing this remarkable artist with us.
I had not heard of this artist. His works are exquisite. I love the colors and the depth of detail. Thank you for sharing this us.
Another really exciting artist experience, Jodah. Thanks so much for keeping us informed about some great artists who would otherwise be unknown to those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. I appreciate these history lessons. What a fabulous artist. Keep them coming.
Blessings,
Denise
Wow John, thank you for the gallery tour. I love art, and artists and knowing about them. I have never heard of any of the McCubbin family of artists.
It seems your country is much like America, from the paintings.
Blessings and hugs my friend.
Not an artist I was familiar with. Beautiful work.
Wonderful profile.
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Thank you Mike. It is funny that names hat I have grown up with here in Australia are virtually unknown in the wider world. It is good to be able to introduce these artists to others who until now were unaware of their amazing talents. Glad you enjoyed this hub.
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Hi Buildreps, it was a pleasure to introduce you to one of Australia's greatest painters. Thank you for reading and commenting.
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Hi whonu, as an artist yourself you can appreciate the depth and skill in Frederick McCubbin's work. It seems the work of a few Aussie artists are likened to Norman Rockwell. The subject matter must be similar to his as you say.
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I am pleased to be able to introduce you to one if our greatest artists Ruby. I also love going to art museums and galleries.McCubbin only suffered depression late in life after the tragedies befalling his brother and son, which he learnt of on the very same day. Glad you enjoyed this.
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Thank you for reading and enjoying the works of Frederick McCubbin, Carb Diva. Yes his paintings are full of depth and colour.
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Hi Denise, I am glad you are learning about great artists you were unaware of through this series. As a fellow artist I am sure you can appreciate the paintings in a special way. I still have quite a few other artists to come.
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Glad you enjoyed this hub and the works of Frederick McCubbin, Shyron. Our countries are both very large and I am sure some of the scenery is quite similar. Blessings to you also.
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If you didn't before Larry, you now know the 'Prof' Frederick McCubbin. Thanks for your kind comment.
Hello John, I've heard of McCubbin's work but not seen much of it. These pictures were painted in the way people take in what's there before them. It's like available light photography using a limited viewpoint. The selective perspective works better than conventional landscape or portraiture.
The girl on the piano is in a style I think of as impressionism, the others being naturalism. How did they get the name 'The Heidelberg School' - was that a particular style of Impressionism?
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The girl on the piano was painted after McCubbin returned from Europe where he was influenced by the impressionists there and changed his style somewhat. His previous paintings were mainly "humanistic". The name "Heidelberg school" came to be from the area of Victoria called "Heidelberg" where these artists camped and did most of their painting. The phrase was coined by an art critic Sydney Dickinson after reviewing the work of some of the artists, and it stuck. After that anyone who studied under this group of artists was said to be part of the Heidelberg School.
Thanks for introducing us to the life and work of Frederick-McCubbin. I love all the paintings especially "Pioneer" and "Home Again." The versatility in his style is evidence of his excellence.
Thanks for the introduction to a great artist. I guess since all of his work is accounted for I can forget about finding one on a treasure hunt; huh? I read just a few days ago about some guy in my area buying a painting for $5 and it was worth over a million. I guess you can see what art means to me. Nah, but that helps!
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Hello MsDora, yes he seemed to be able to master any style he put his brush to and was extremely talented. Glad you enjoyed these samples of his paintings.
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Glad I could introduce you to the work of an artist who is new to you Jackie. You never know, a few of his paintings may be still unaccounted for as he did give a few away or sell to family friends. The one that eventually sold for over $2 million for instance is an example. the farmer that was bequeathed it in a will had no idea it was so valuable.
Thanks for introducing a "new to me" artist. These works are beautiful. So authentic and real. My favorite of your pictures is "Down on His Luck." We have all been there. It was also interesting to learn about the artist's life.
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Thank you for checking out this hub truthfornow, and the work of Frederick McCubbin. Yes his subjects are very real and most of us can relate to "Down on His Luck".
Jodah, what a fascinating look at this artist's life. I have to admit, I knew little about McCubbin before, so this was definitely a learning experience. The masterpiece, "Bush Idyll" is attractive and serene! I can understand why a collector would want it. I also very much like "On the Wallaby Track", but the energy in "Home Again" makes it my favorite of the works you've shared. Thanks much for posting!
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Hi Beth, thank you for taking time to view this hub about Frederick McCubbin and for your thoughts on some of his paintings. It is interesting to try and decipher the stories his paintings portray. The interior of the house in "Home Again" is supposed to be based on the kitchen of his own home and bakery.
Since I am woefully woebegone about not being aware of this extraordinary artist, Jodah, I am doubly, no, make that triply pleased at being exposed to his beautiful, realistic work. Thank you, and Hooroo until the next episode.
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Oh drbj, don't call yourself a wobbegong :) because you are aware of him now. Yes his paintings are very realistic and I love that they make you think about the story within the scene. I am enjoying researching and presenting these Aussie artists to others who haven't had the pleasure of viewing their work before.
Hi John,
Australia has produced some fine artists no doubt. I can understand why you love McCubbin's work. He is fantastic! Most of his paintings look so real that I thought they were photographs! Well, I am a new fan now.
Thank you for sharing all about this fine artist here.
Blessings always
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Hi Theresa, it' great to know that "The Prof" has a new fan. Yes most of his artwork is extremely realistic. I have always been in awe of artists who can achieve that. There are many other Australian artists to come so stay tuned. Blessings to you for the coming festive season.
You've done us proud! I've always loved his work - and that of others of the Heidelberg School - and you have covered it so well. Congratulations for a great article. His work is also a great commentary on the times and culture of those now far-off days.
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Blossom, it is great to get such positive feedback from a fellow Australian. Hopefully I will be able to cover the other members of the Heidelberg School in future hubs (Tom Roberts at least is a must) as well as some of our other more contemporary artists. I am glad you feel I have done the subject and Australia proud.
What a great article Jodah, I had never heard of him, but the paintings are amazing! Its like looking into the past when we see how they lived through those times, and the paintings say it all, nell
John, I love McCubbin's style. The textures, shades, shadows are so life-like. His paintings are so detailed they almost look like photographs. Such wonderful and inspiring talent!
It seems befitting that he was a gentle, poetic man. It certainly comes through in his art.
Thank you for this beautiful article. I hope to learn more about the great Australian artists and painters.
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Thank you Nell, yes his paintings are certainly like windows to the past. McCubbin was a great artist. I appreciate your kind comment.
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I am glad you enjoyed this hub Shauna, and the art of Frederick McCubbin. Everything you say about his paintings is spot on and his personality was certainly a plus as a teacher. I hope to bring you more talented and interesting artists in the series.
I hadn't heard of this artist and didn't realise there were Australian Impressionists, though when I think about it, it's logical there would be!
Love the paintings of the trees and the open bush, especially 'View near Fisherman's Bend'. Beautiful.
It's great to have our attention brought to these artists who deserve to be seen far and wide. Thanks for sharing these beautiful paintings with us, John.
Ann
I know the article here was written with reverence for the artist but me having no artistic talent at all remember "Mr. Bean" making his "Dr. Bean" speech about "Whistler's Mother," the painting he had ruined and then replaced with a forgery. Somehow his analysis came out right so maybe I can try a little observation. I have seen many pictures videos movies etc. about the Bush but these paintings aren't like what I have seen. The landscape he has painted reminds me of my childhood when any chance I got I would go into the woods, find a somewhat "comfortable" place to sit and watch for any animals that I could see. I used to pretend there were fairies and gnomes and such. These works make me want to walk into my childhood for a reliving of one of those moments. Thank you for the article. Bob.
Thank you so much for this introduction John! Beautifully romantic!
My gosh! McCubbin was a master of painting - some of the images you present, Jodah, take time to just sit and gaze at them, to marvel at the faint detail in the background. "Bush Idyll" is so lovely and would look great on my dining room turned office wall where I spend most of my time. And you are fine writer, my friend. I love these Australian artist series you work so hard on. Magnificent ! (my favorite word today and I chose it for you).
The art is lovely and the hub is very interesting, Jodah. Thank you very much for the education!
Love the paintings! Burial in the bush was breathtaking and very powerful. Thank you for introducing masterpeices from Down under. Have a merry christmas!
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It is great o be able to introduce these Australian artists to the world Ann. We Aussies like to have a pace in everything and put our own take it.."impressionism" is no exception. Frederick McCubbin was one of the best and most versatile. I love the story that his paintings tell. Thanks for your kind comment.
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Bob, your observation is actually very astute. McCubbin's painting of the bush are unique in the fact that he doesn't just paint a landscape showing the horizon and various features. He seems to paint a story "within" the bush. It surrounds his subjects and makes the viewer feel like they are part of it. I am glad these paintings helped you relive childhood memories. Thanks for reading.
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Hi Audrey, "beautifully romantic" is a wonderful description. Thank you.
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Phyllis, I am honored to be awarded your word of the day "Magnificent!" I can't praise McCubbin's paintings enough. They are much deeper than just paint on canvas..there is a story within each one and you do need to sit and take the time to study them in depth. thank you for your generous comment and I am glad you are finding this series enjoyable.
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Glad you found this hub interesting and educational Alicia. It was my pleasure to share these paintings.
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Carrie, I agree. The Bush Burial painting is probably my favourite that is why I chose it as my main image. All of his paintings are exemplary though. Thank you for the kind comment and you have a wonderful Christmas too.
John, I loved reading this hub and learning about Mc Cubbin. Australian artists unfortunately are overlooked in our art history classes in the U.S- what a shame! I am reminded of John Singer Sargent, a favorite of mine , and British painter, Frederick Hall. Beautiful work which I am so happy to have discovered thanks to you!
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Hi Cat. Yes it seems that Australian artists do seem to be overlooked in regards art history around the world. It is a shame but probably due that European settlement didn't occur until the late 1700s. Our Aboriginal art has only recently been discovered by the world and become popular world wide. Anyway I am pleased to have introduced you to one of the best in Frederick McCubbin. Thank you for the wonderful comment.
These are definitely noteworthy artists, and I thank you for the introduction to these fine works.
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Thank you Deb, I am glad you appreciate these wonderful paintings.
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Thank you Deb, I am glad you appreciate these wonderful paintings.
As an artist trying to pick up the drawing pencil again after many years, I very much enjoyed reading about Frederick McCubbin and seeing his paintings. So much talent, it leaves me speechless just looking at his work. I have to say that from the paintings you posted, my favorites are "View Near Fisherman's Bend" and "Sheperd's Hut", but all of the paintings of his you posted are breathtaking. It was also very interesting to read his biography, the life behind the painter, especially to learn that he was also a baker and ended up taking over the family's bakery business. McCubbin's life and works greatly inspired me to grow as an artist. Thank you for writing this article.
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What a great comment Geri. I am very happy to hear that this hub and Frederick McCubbin's life and paintings have inspired you to reconnect with your art. I have always found his paintings incredibly breathtaking as well. Thank you for reading.
great paintings inducing poems
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Thank you Sujaya. Yes I am sure good poems could be inspired by thee paintings.
I'm glad you're presenting Australian artists, John, as many Americans haven't heard of them. What beautiful art (and an unfortunate breakdown he had in later life). I hope you continue this series.
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Flourish, I am enjoying researching and presenting these artists to others who I felt would not be aware or have had the pleasure of seeing their work. Thanks for your kind comment and I a glad you are enjoying this series. I am sure there will be more.
I love the way this Aussie artist explores complicated emotions. His paintings have a melancholy beauty. Great hub and Merry Christmas, my friend!
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Ye Mel, McCubbin was certainly skilled at portraying emotions in his paintings. There is something in his paintings that is special..maybe it is a sense of melancholy as you say. Thank you for reading. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
So enjoyed this interesting post and the introduction to the amazing art work of these Australian artists. The examples you have included are truly breathtaking! Thank you for a neat read to start the New Year off. Learning something of the lives behind the paintings makes this hub come alive. Happy 2016 to you and yours!
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Thank you RTalloni, for your generous comment. I have enjoyed the art of these artists for most of my life and thought I should share their stories and wonderful talent with others. Happy New Year.
McCubbin is one of the only Australian artists I could have named before reading this hub. I quite like The Pioneer triptych. Had never seen most of the rest before. Bush Idyll is well named. It looks more Romantic in the capital R sense. Do see the appeal but much prefer what looks to be his middle period. I like the little snapshots, the little flies in amber, conveying a thousand words each.
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Besarien, it is good to come across someone who is familiar with Frederick McCubbin. I agree with you and have a preference for his works from the 1890s and very early 1900s. His latest works following his visit to Europe became very impressionistic. Thank you for the great comment.
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