David Davies began studying art at the School of Mines and Industries in his hometown of Ballarat, and from 1887 to 1890 he studied at the National Gallery of Victoria School. In the late 1880s he often painted at Eaglemont, an artists' camp near Heidelberg, with Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Arthur Streeton and the subject of this work, Walter Withers (1854–1914). English by birth, Withers had trained at the Royal Academy before coming to Australia in 1882. He travelled extensively around Victoria and worked as a draughtsman in Melbourne before returning to London to marry, and then proceeding to Paris for further tuition at the Académie Julian. After some years abroad, he returned to Melbourne and became associated with the Eaglemont group. Withers became a key member of what has become known as the 'Heidelberg School', many of whose members had nicknames. His was 'The Colonel', hence the title of this work.
Purchased 2009
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves.
Encompassing the 1820s to the 2020s, Time and Line showcases the depth and extent of our drawing collection.
Impressions: Painting light and life presents portraits by, and of, artists at the heart of Australian impressionism including Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin.
