Ninon Phillips had one great passion – wildlife. As well as depicting them, she dedicated her life to caring for animals. She founded the Society of Wildlife Artists of Australasia, established a sanctuary for Cape Barren Geese on Flinders Island and in the 1990s was made President of the Wildlife Branch of the RSPCA while also opening a home for injured and orphaned animals in rural Victoria.

‘Golden Pheasant’, an exquisite gouache on paper, is alive with Phillips joie de vivre. Crested in lilac flowers stands a pheasant, as regal as any prince. The artist captures the bird’s plumage and presence, recalling her success as an illustrator and artist. In every creature, great and small, lies a worthy portrait sitter.

Phillips never turned an animal away, often opening her door with a baby possum or injured bird in hand. She regaled all who would listen with tales of spirited cockatoos, burrowing wombats and beguiling possums. In honour of her dedication to animals, Phillips received the Pride of Australia Environment Award and the Order of Australia.

For collectors of birds, ‘Golden Pheasant’ is a delight.

Ninon PHILLIPS (1921 - 2015)
'Golden Pheasant' 1976
gouache on paper
Image Size: 49 x 31 cm
Dimensions: 84 x 61 x 2 cm
Signed: Signed 'NINON PHILLIPS 1976' lower left
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 is a slight warp in mount, but pleasingly presented.

(c) The Artist or Assignee