Norman Alfred William Lindsay (22 February 1879 – 21 November 1969) was an Australian artist, etcher, sculptor, writer. He is widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest artists.
From an early age, Norman showed an outstanding ability to draw. He became the principal cartoonist for the Bulletin magazine, fought many controversies against “wowsers”, particularly defending his right to paint the nude.
Lindsay rejected Christianity, and his art depicts Bohemianism and Arcadian pantheism madly admixed in a fantasy world. As early as 1904 his work was deemed blasphemous.
His sumptuous nudes were highly controversial, and in 1939, several were burned by irate wowsers in the United States who discovered them when the train in which they traveled caught fire. Interestingly enough, Norman had actually sent them to the United States to protect them from the impending War!
In 1901 he moved north to make his permanent home in the Blue Mountains. The sandstone cottage is now The Norman Lindsay Gallery at Faulconbridge run by the National Trust, the cottage and landscaped grounds are open 7 days a week and there is a specialist gift shop and café. His studio and garden is a fascinating place to visit.
All these sculptures are life-sized and Jack got up close and personal to this one…
This is in response to Paula’s “Thursday’s Special”. I enjoy the challenge Paula gives us each week. Go across to Paula’s post and see how others have interpreted the theme.