One of Australia’s most esteemed artists, Margaret Olley is best known for her florals, still lifes and interior scenes. She lived in Europe and Brisbane, before departing the country again to travel through Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Cambodia. When she returned home, she bought a terrace house in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Paddington, transforming it into a cornucopia of florals, art, pottery, fruits and findings from her travels.

This four-plate colour etching is quintessential Olley. She presents a richly coloured still life – a table adorned with persimmons, crockery and a festive bunch of flowers. An advocate for the beauty of interiors, Olley once remarked that she “never liked housework. I get by doing little chores when I like them, in between paintings. Who wants to chase dust all their life?... I like watching the patina grow. If the house looks dirty, buy another bunch of flowers, is my advice.”

A subject of two Archibald Prize winning portraits, Olley is a cherished figure in Australian culture. Her work is warm and intricate, a reminder to notice the beauty in the everyday. Hand-signed by the artist and embossed with Berkley Editions and Lewis Editions seals, ‘Marigolds and Fruits’ is a treasure for collectors of Olley, important works on paper and still lifes.

Margaret OLLEY (1923 - 2011)
'Marigolds and Fruits' 2009
multi colour etching on paper
Edition of 80
Image Size: 59 x 79 cm
Dimensions: 79 x 108 cm
Signed: Signed Margaret Olley, titled Marigolds and Fruits, dated 09 and numbered in margin. Berkeley Editions and Lewis Editions embossed stamps in margin.
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Excellent

(c) The Artist or Assignee