In 1960, Sidney Nolan debuted a series of works at Matthiesen Gallery in London centred around Leda and the Swan, an Ancient Greek myth. It was the first time he had presented works on a universal story – rather than a purely Australian one – contributing to what one critic described as a “do as Melbourne does” summer in Britain’s art world. The exhibition was a resounding success with Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Kenneth Clarke and Agatha Christie collecting works.

Dated 1961, ‘From Degas: Ideas for Indoor Leda, Kind of Still Life (Braque) or Courbet – Lesbians or Manet’s Olympia 1961…’ is an extension of this series. It is an experimental work, the swan reaching from two indistinct figures in a composition reminiscent of Manet’s 1868–96 painting ‘Monsieur and Madame Edouard Manet’. Indeed, the work’s title makes reference to several artists – Degas, Braque, Courbet and Manet – as well as the iconic painting, ‘Oylmpia’ (1863), reflecting Nolan’s scholarly engagement with art history.

In this work, Nolan suggests that the tale of Leda – a prone figure ensnared by forces of power – ricochets across time, its syntax repeated in the history of paintings about the nude. For collectors of Nolan, the nude and important works on paper, ‘From Degas…’ is a museum-quality find.

Sidney NOLAN (1917 - 1992)
'From Degas: Idea for Indoor Leda, Kind of Still Life (Braque) or Courbet – Lesbians or Manet s Olympia 1961...' 1961
mixed media on paper
Image Size: 63 x 52 cm
Framed Dimensions: 88 x 97 x 3 cm
Signed: Signed lower left 'Nolan'; titled, dated and inscribed verso
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Extensive inscriptions on verso: From Degas / 12.10.1961 idea for indoor Leda / Kind of still life (Braque) / or Courbet - lesbians / or Manets Olympia / Do not cut-up great old painting the way Picasso has (Velasquez) but? 

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) Sidney Nolan / Copyright Agency