The Quilting Bee (Kelly Series)
Painting on composition board • Sidney Nolan (Australian, 1917-1992)
Style & Movement
Australian Modernism / Primitivism
Medium & Technique
Enamel paint on board with characteristically fluid, non-traditional application typical of the Ripolin brand
Creation Period
Circa 1946-1947
Dimensions & Format
Approx. 90 x 120 cm; Landscape format
Subject Description
A scene from the Ned Kelly series depicting the folk hero in his iconic square black armor, standing amidst a colonial camp. To his right is a uniformed police officer, and surrounding them are civilian figures in a dry, outback landscape under a hazy sky. The narrative explores themes of Australian identity, law versus outlaw, and the harshness of the bush.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; showing age-appropriate stabilization of the enamel surface
Estimated Market Value
$1,500,000 - $3,500,000 USD (based on the rarity of Ned Kelly series works)
Auction Estimate
$2,000,000 - $4,000,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely from a major public gallery collection (such as the National Gallery of Australia) or a significant private estate via Australian fine art auction houses
Art Historical Significance
A cornerstone of Australian modern art, Nolan's Ned Kelly series redefined national iconography. This work is significant for its blend of suburban folk-art style with sophisticated modernist composition and historical myth-making.
Notable Features
The use of industrial Ripolin enamel paint provides a distinctive glossy, flat surface. The 'slit' in Kelly's helmet is a focal point of the composition, representing a void through which the landscape is seen.
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions, slight yellowing of the binder, and potential 'blooming' or hazing common in mid-century industrial enamel paints.
Conservation Recommendations
Control UV exposure and humidity to prevent enamel cracking. Professional cleaning should only be done by a specialist familiar with Ripolin paint.