David Boyd is one of Australia’s most celebrated modernist artists. Working alongside his fellow artist brother, Boyd was following a strong figurative tradition within Melbourne in the mid 20th century. Boyd was part of the Antipodean movement, a group that was created by artists in the quest to forge meaning and representation during a time that abstract expressionism was gaining popularity.

A striking and symbolic composition, 'Return of the Tall Ships' juxtaposes the grandeur of colonial sailing vessels with the still, contemplative presence of an Indigenous figure in the foreground. Rendered in earthy tones and gestural textures, the work blends Boyd’s signature narrative style with a dreamlike, almost theatrical quality. The flattened perspective, expressive figures, and layered surfaces evoke both memory and mythology, creating a powerful visual tension between past and present.

'Return of the Tall Ships' offers compelling narrative depth and historical significance, a thought provoking addition for collections drawn to politically resonant Australian works on paper, modernist art, and appreciators of the Boyd artistic legacy.

David BOYD (1924 - 2011)
'Return of the Tall Ships' 2005
collagraph on paper
Image Size: 68 x 87 cm
Dimensions: 113 x 126 x 3 cm
Signed: Signed, editioned and inscribed under image

Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art's image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to paper or frame. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the paint surface.

(c) David Boyd / Copyright Agency