Today marks the second instalment of our collaboration with the National Gallery of Australia, celebrating Love & Desire, their incredible new exhibition of Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, on now in Canberra!
Here, we explore the rich symbolism within one of the exhibition's most engaging works – The Last Day in the Old Home, by Robert Braithwaite Martineau, 1862.
With photographer Eve Wilson and stylist Stephanie Stamatis, we created a series of still life photographs to illuminate the cautionary tales embedded in this painting!
Fferrone Design, Tulip Collection tall glass from Hub Furniture, Black Pebbled Slim Line Bi Fold Wallet ($119.95) from The Daily Edited. Photo – Eve Wilson, Styling – Stephanie Stamatis, Styling Assistant – Ashley Simonetto.
Fferrone Design, Tulip Collection tall glass from Hub Furniture. Photo – Eve Wilson, Styling – Stephanie Stamatis, Styling Assistant – Ashley Simonetto.
Photo – Eve Wilson, Styling – Stephanie Stamatis, Styling Assistant – Ashley Simonetto.
Christie's Auction catalogue provided by Ronan Sulich, Christie's Australia. Black Pebbled Slim Line Bi Fold Wallet ($119.95) from The Daily Edited. Photo – Eve Wilson, Styling – Stephanie Stamatis, Styling Assistant – Ashley Simonetto.
The fictional events depicted here unfold like a Netflix nail-biter!
Robert Braithwaite Martineau is one of the most celebrated of the Pre-Raphaelite painters, and he completed this painting, The Last Day in the Old Home, in 1862.
As the title suggests, this formerly affluent family is preparing to depart their grand home – and all signs point to the rather tragic circumstances in which they have lost their fortune. Our protagonist, Sir Charles Pulleyne, is depicted as a rosy-cheeked hedonist, wine glass in hand, oblivious to the suffering of his wife and family as they prepare to hand over their home and worldly possessions.
The leather race book in Sir Charles' hand, and the racehorse painting in the left foreground insinuate that he has gambled away the family fortune.
Look closely, and you'll also spot auction lot numbers on various artworks, antiques and furniture items around the house, along with a Christie's auction catalogue on the floor in the front right (easier to spot when viewing this painting in real life!). Tragically, the family's possessions will soon be sold to the highest bidder.
The old woman (perhaps the grandmother), wipes a tear with her handkerchief, as she passes over the keys to the house. A newspaper on the table beside her shows advertisements for 'Apartments'.
Outside the window, autumn branches symbolise the end of prosperity and the gloomy future which lies ahead for this family. Embers in the fire confirm that their time is nearly up.
Whilst grandmother, wife and daughter look mournful, Sir Charles' seems unconcerned (or in denial?) about all of this. His grasp on his wine glass symbolises recklessness – and by sharing this indulgence with his young son, it is implied that his foolishness will be passed on to the next generation.
The trailblazing artists making their mark on Australia's creative landscape.