TOMMY McRAE

Acquired directly from the artist by George McMahon, a customs officer at Albury on the New South Wales/Victorian border, thence by descent
Private collection

There are no apparent repairs or restoration, although the work has not been viewed outside of the timber frame and teh work is behind glass in an archival mount. (There may be archival support to tears from the reverse which are masked by the frame.) There are prominent oil stains to teh lower and right hand margins, and other creases and tears in the margins. The paper has discoloured consistent with age.
"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. Similar hunting scenes by the artist are illustrated in Sayers, A., Aboriginal Artists of the Nineteenth Century, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, 1994, p.30, plate M4; p.31, plate M13; p.35, plates M3 and M29; p.36, plate M36. See also Sotheby's, Aboriginal Art, 26-27 July 2004, lot 9 for another example.

This example is an exceptionally fine drawing of a traditional hunting scene that had been commissioned of the artist by European settlers towards the end of the 19th century.

McRae was masterful in conveyeing the character of his subjects by the deceptively simple means of drawing silhouettes.