Sidney Robert Nolan Paintings

Sidney Robert Nolan was a leading Australian artist known for his diverse and prolific work, which included painting, printmaking, and set design. Born on April 22, 1917, in Carlton, a suburb of Melbourne, Nolan grew up in a working-class environment which influenced his views on society and later his artistic themes. He left school at the age of 14 and worked in various jobs, including at a hat factory where he was exposed to design and aesthetics. Nolan's early interest in art was largely self-directed, and he was largely self-taught, though he did attend night classes at the National Gallery of Victoria Art School.

Nolan's early works were influenced by avant-garde European art movements such as surrealism, which he melded with Australian themes and landscapes. During the 1940s, he served in the Australian Army, but went AWOL, which led him to the remote Wimmera region. The Australian landscape became a deep source of inspiration for him and was a recurring theme throughout his career. Nolan is perhaps best known for his series of paintings on the Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. Created in the late 1940s, the series depicted Kelly’s armor and the Australian landscape in a bold and modern style that has become iconic in Australian art.

Beyond the Ned Kelly series, Nolan's work ranged from the depiction of Australian historical events and figures to explorations of mythological themes, often characterized by a vivid use of color and innovative compositions. Nolan lived and worked in various parts of the world, including London and Greece, which also influenced his artistic practice. His international outlook helped bring Australian art to the attention of the global art community, and he is regarded as one of the foremost Australian artists of the 20th century.

Sidney Nolan was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1981, and he received the Order of Merit in 1983, recognizing his significant contributions to art. Throughout his life, he was also the recipient of numerous other awards and honors. Nolan's work is held in many major national and international collections. He continued to paint until his death on November 28, 1992, in London, England, leaving behind a vast and influential body of work that continues to be celebrated and studied.