Biography: Arthur Streeton

"The Spirit Of The Drought," by Arthur Streeton.
“The Spirit Of The Drought,” by Arthur Streeton.

Arthur Streeton (1867–1943) was an Australian landscape painter and a key figure in the Heidelberg School, an Australian art movement associated with Impressionism. Streeton’s works are known for their depictions of the Australian landscape, particularly scenes from the bush and coastal areas.

"The Selectors Hut," by Arthur Streeton.
“The Selectors Hut,” by Arthur Streeton.

  • Early Life and Education: Arthur Streeton was born on April 8, 1867, in Duneed, Victoria, Australia. He showed an early interest in art and attended the National Gallery School in Melbourne, where he studied under the renowned artist Frederick McCubbin.
  • Heidelberg School: Streeton was part of the Heidelberg School, a group of Australian artists who were influential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Other notable members included Tom Roberts and Charles Conder. The Heidelberg School is often associated with the development of Australian Impressionism.
"The Purple Noons Transparent Might," by Arthur Streeton.
“The Purple Noons Transparent Might,” by Arthur Streeton.
  • Subject Matter: Streeton’s paintings often depicted the Australian landscape, featuring rural scenes, bushland, and coastal areas. He had a particular fascination with capturing the effects of light and color in the Australian environment.
  • “Golden Summer, Eaglemont”: One of Streeton’s most famous paintings is “Golden Summer, Eaglemont” (1889), which is considered an iconic representation of the Australian landscape. The painting reflects the artist’s ability to convey the warmth and luminosity of the Australian sunlight.
  • War Service: Streeton served as an official war artist during World War I, creating works that documented the Australian Imperial Force’s involvement in the Middle East and Europe. His war art is recognized for its emotional impact and detailed observation.
"The Road Up The Hill," by Arthur Streeton.
“The Road Up The Hill,” by Arthur Streeton.
  • Later Career: After the war, Streeton continued his artistic career, including periods spent in England. He explored different styles and subjects but remained connected to his love for landscape painting. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1937.
  • Legacy: Arthur Streeton is regarded as one of Australia’s leading landscape painters. His contributions to the development of Australian Impressionism and his ability to capture the unique qualities of the Australian landscape have left a lasting impact on the country’s art history.
  • Collections: Streeton’s works are held in major art galleries and institutions in Australia and around the world. The National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the National Gallery of Victoria are among the institutions that feature his paintings.

Arthur Streeton’s legacy continues to be celebrated in Australia, and his paintings are valued for their evocative portrayal of the Australian landscape and their role in the development of Australian art.

"Bush Idyll," by Arthur Streeton.
“Bush Idyll,” by Arthur Streeton.