ARTIST UNKNOWN, WEST ARNHEM LAND

Acquired by renowned West Australian artist and author Elizabeth Durack in Darwin in 1947
The Estate of Elizabeth Durack (1915-2000), Perth

The bark is split and cracked in many areas and has a large hole in the surface all of which are visible in the catalogue illustration. There are many areas of pigment loss on all the painted areas. There are a number of smaller holes in the surface from which this bark has been suspended. Since this bark was photographed for the catalogue it has been cleaned and all the pigment has been consolidated by a professioanl bark conservator.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cf. Mountford, C., Records of the American-Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land, vol.1, Art, Myth, and Symbolism, Melbourne University Press, Melbourne, 1956, for many similar and related paintings collected in Western Arnhem Land during the same period; also Unknown Kunwinjku artist, Gumangan, becoming a Crocodile to steal Fire, 1949, illus. on cover of Art of Arnhem Land 1948-1952: Paintings on bark and wood collected by anthropologist Charles Mountford, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, exhibition brochure, 2002; Artist unknown, Bubba Peibi spearing a fish while he drags his catch behind him, in the Spencer Collection, Museum of Victoria, illus; Black, R., Old and New Aboriginal Art, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1964, p.45, fig.37; McCarthy, F. D., Australia's Aborigines: Their Life and Culture, Colorgravure, Melbourne, p.160, for a photograph of a bark painting from the period with a similar figure.

This rare painting depicts a hunter spearing a crocodile and catching two fish (or dragging his catch). It is highly likely that the painting formed part of a bark shelter.

This painting is sold with a photocopy of a programme for the Perth Town Hall Grand Variety Show, in aid of 'Hostels for Original Australians', which was held on Sunday 4 October 1953. The cover of this programme designed by Elizabeth Durack was 'adapted from' this original bark painting.