John Olsen’s kinship with frogs began in 1971 when he held one in the rainforest. Cool and alive in his palm, he was profoundly struck by the frog’s oddities - bulbous eyes, wet skin and the ability to spring away like coiled wire. Since then, Olsen has repeatedly paid tribute to the frog, imagining him in all his captivating forms.

In ‘Frog at Kakadu’, dated 1988, Olsen pictures the frog from above. The work is recognisably Olsens — merging perspectives, finding humour and unexpected grace in its subject and live in form. It is a hand-coloured lithograph, a tribute to the polyphony of nature.

Winner of the Wynne, Sulman and Archibald Prizes, represented in all major institutions and a recipient of an Order of Australia, Olsen is an icon of Australian art.

This work will charm collectors of Olsen, iconic Australian art and those who care about nature.

John OLSEN (1928 - 2023)
'Frog at Kakadu' 1988
Hand-coloured lithograph on paper
Edition of 40
Image Size: 76 x 56 cm
Signed: Numbered, signed and dated within image
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Literature: McGregor K. Teeming with Life: His Complete Graphics 1957-2005, Macmillan Art Publishing, Melbourne, 2005, p. 109, cat. 145

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.

© John Olsen / Copyright Agency 2023