B. 1908 – 1991

Born in Tasmania in 1908, Jean Bellette was a well renowned painter and member of the Sydney Group of artists. Studying in Hobart and then Sydney at Julian Ashton’s Art School, Bellette left Australia for Europe with her husband, art critic Paul Haefliger, when she was 27 years old.

In Europe, Bellette further developed her signature artistic style. Often using strong geometric forms and high tonal contrasts, Bellette favoured classical scenes, depicting themes that originated from classic Greek literature and scenes from Greek tragedies. Through these classical themes, Bellette gained prominence. The only woman to have won the Sulman Prize twice, she also was instrumental in establishing the Blake Prize for Religious Art. 

In 1954, Bellette and her husband became members of the Hill End Group, an art circle based in New South Wales whose members included Margaret Olley, John Olsen, and Russell Drysdale. Following her death in 1991, her cottage in Hill End became the site for the Jean Bellette Gallery. Belette’s artworks are represented at all major state galleries, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the National Gallery of Australia.

For a more in-depth biography of the artist, click here.