Robert Dickerson is a leading figure of Australian modernism. A child of the Depression, he left school at fourteen to work in a factory. In 1947, after serving in the Royal Australian Air Force and becoming a professional boxer, Dickerson discovered painting: "I knew I had stumbled on the most important discovery about myself that Id ever make."

Dickerson’s work evades the sentimental. His figures are often isolated, caught haunting dark streetscapes with anguished expressions. In 1971, Hal Missingham, then director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, reflected that "Bob’s pictures… are about humans, not effigies or abstractions, not cerebral adventures but a straight-out interest in people and their astonishing situations and commitments."

A founding member of the Antipodeans, Dickerson’s work is a unique and compelling touchstone of Modernism. (Portrait of a Lady) is no exception — the figures stare is quiet but intense, peering over her shoulder, she entices and intrigues the viewer, drawing our attention beyond the frame. At once distant yet affecting, this portrait is quintessential Dickerson. For collectors of Modern art, portraiture and Dickerson, (Portrait of a Lady) is a curious find.

Robert DICKERSON (1924 - 2015)
'(Portrait of a woman)' 1976
charcoal on paper
Image Size: 35 x 25 cm
Dimensions: 59 x 45 x 2 cm 
Signed: Signed 'Dickerson' lower right

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) Robert Dickerson / Copyright Agency