ca. 1900s
Description
Biographical History: Ellis Rowan, (1848-1922), artist, naturalist and explorer, was born on 30 July 1848 in Melbourne. In 1869, while visiting English relatives, her painting of wildflowers was greatly admired and her family encouraged her to continue painting in her own style. It was this art which brought her lasting fame. Returning to Australia, her artistic goal was the finding and painting of wildflowers, birds, insects and butterflies of many countries, often for the first time. Many were classified and named by the government botanist Sir Ferdinand Mueller. ‘In 1879-93 Ellis Rowan exhibited her work in international exhibitions in Australia, India, England, Europe and the United States of America and in that time was awarded 10 gold medals, 15 silver and 4 bronze. In 1888 at Melbourne's Centennial International Exhibition she was awarded the highest honours, which brought a measure of envy from a few artists who considered flower painting an inferior art.’ By the time of her death in 1922, Ellis Rowan was a household name in Australia.
Image Licence
Out of copyright
Image Credit
Courtesy of Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Country
Australia
Tags
Category
Flora & Fauna