Help wanted to solve painting mystery

EMMA SPILLETT
espillett@kiamaindependent.com.au

VOLUNTEERS at Kiama’s St Vincent De Paul are appealing for information about a mysterious donated painting that could hold an interesting history.

A generous, elderly gentleman who may not have been aware of the painting’s historical value gave the large portrait to the store about five weeks ago.

Kiama Vinnies volunteer Llyn Tubman is an avid artgoer and was immediately struck by the beauty and quality of the painting.

Ms Tubman was advised to take the work to a portrait expert at the NSW Gallery for assessment and was shocked to find just how much history the beautiful painting held.

“The people at the gallery told me to take the painting straight to the Mitchell Library,” she said.

“They told me that in the mid-1800s artists came from England and were assigned to a town to paint pictures of the gentry, the mayor or people in the community.

“Quite often they wouldn’t put a name on the picture so there is a good chance it could be part of a collection from Gerringong, Kiama or Nowra.”

Experts believe the painting was completed in the 1840s by a painter with great talent, but were unable to identify the artist or the subject.

The portrait is of a dark-haired woman, dressed in traditional 1800’s attire. It is still in its original frame.

Ms Tubman is appealing for anyone who knows who the painter or the sitter to visit the store and share their information.

“Even if we can find out the location where it was painted, it could help us to identify the artist or the date on which it was painted,” she said. “The painting is worth about $150, but if it’s identified it could be worth a lot more.”

The painting will be auctioned. All profits will be given back to the St Vincent’s De Paul charity appeal.