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
The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the
Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a
Reproduction request. For further information please contact
NPG Copyright.
