When Brett Whiteley was thirteen years old, he found a tiny book on Vincent Van Gogh lying on the floor of St Stephen’s Church in Bathurst. The moment was catalytic. Despite existing in a time and place far removed from rural New South Wales, he immediately resonated with Van Gogh. Like the latter, Whiteley perceived the world with a unique intensity he identified as “expandingness”.

In this work, Whiteley pays homage to his artistic hero. It also, however, hints at his sadness. This duality is core to Whiteley’s talent and life. At once lively and fraught, it sees the Dutch master as a surrogate for Whiteley himself.

Among Australia’s most celebrated artists, Whiteley won the Art Gallery of NSW Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes several times. ‘Sons of the4 Sun’ is a moving find for passionate collectors of iconic Australian art, Whiteley and impressionism.

Brett WHITELEY (1939 - 1992)
'Sons of the Sun (from Another Way of Looking at Vincent Van Gogh)' 1983
etching on paper
Edition of 100
Image Size: 26 x 21 cm
Dimensions: 48 x 40 x 2 cm
Signed: stamped lower right with artist's monogram
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) Brett Whiteley / Copyright Agency