Exploring Lindsay's Intricate Craftsmanship and Lasting Impact on Australian Art

Norman Lindsay (1879-1969), an iconic Australian artist, left an indelible mark on the world of art with his exceptional talent and unique artistic vision. While he excelled in various mediums, his etchings stand out as a testament to his mastery. We delve into the captivating world of Norman Lindsay's etchings, examining their intricate craftsmanship, the contemporary reception of his work, and the enduring legacy they have left on the Australian art scene.

Unveiling Lindsay's Etchings

Produced during one of the most prolific periods in Lindsay’s career, his etchings were an attempt to take the medium to new heights and create a series of work that would be reproduced commercially.

While there is some conjecture about what year he first started working in this medium, it is generally agreed that sometime between 1913 and 1918 with his first official work released to the public in 1919.

This period in time coincided with a particularly tumultuous time in Australian with the advent of Australian troops heading to fight in World War I. Lindsey was working for the Sydney Bulletin during that time producing both illustrations and cartoon work, many of which were seen as too extreme for publication.

In 1918, he completed writing and illustrating the now-famous Australia children’s book, the magic pudding and it follows that, while he may have dabbled with etchings up to that time, his full efforts were not applied to that medium until completion of the book.

According to his wife Rose’s memoir ‘Model Wife’, she smashed all of the early copperplates he had used experimenting with the etching process in 1918 and sent them to be made into bullets for the war effort.

Between 1918 and 1920 he build his new painting studio at his home in Springwood which is now operated by the National Trust as the Norman Lindsay Museum. His original studio was henceforth converted into an etching studio which demanded very specific lighting and equipment. For the next 20 years, Lindsay produced an incredible 275 etchings of which 175 were unpublished.

His first major publication of etchings came in 1927 with a limited edition print by Constable & Co. Ltd. of London. Only 120 signed copies were released to the public with an additional 9 signed copies retained by the family. Copies of these are considered rare books today and often fetch upwards of USD $3,000 depending on condition.

According to Douglas Stewart Fine Books of Melbourne “The etchings of Norman Lindsay, published in lavish large format, was admired by Lindsay himself ‘as a facsimile perfect as reproduction can be’ (from a 1938 letter to Andrew Watt), and ‘[it] remains one of the most tantalising collections of his work’ (BLOOMFIELD, Lin. The complete etchings of Norman Lindsay, Odana 1998, p 65). Lindsay’s popularity in the 1920s had risen meteorically so that the very restricted print run of only 160 copies over two editions fell far short of the market’s demands. The book sold out a month prior to publication, disappointing many prominent collectors including Howard Hinton in New England. Only a handful of copies made it to Australia, due to it selling out in London, as well as the fact that Australian customs held the two copies sent to Gill’s Fine Art Society on the grounds that it was an immoral publication. Bloomfield notes that many copies have been broken to sell the plates: as early as 1938 the reproductions were selling for 21 shillings each, prompting her to observe that ‘The Etchings of Norman Lindsay has become the rarest of any of Norman’s books’. This statement is supported by a quote from George Mackaness, who wrote in 1965: ‘… within my knowledge, only one copy of this has ever appeared in any Australian or British bookseller’s catalogue or at auction’. A handful of copies have been sold since then, but The etchings of Norman Lindsay remains one of his most sumptuous and rare large-scale publications.”

Several years ago our Studio was fortunate enough to obtain number 43 of this book that was originally gifted to one of Norman’s long time friends. Unfortunately, the book was damaged in a house fire and later sold at auction. While the cover and edge of the pages are lightly damaged, it was too important a publication to leave in the backroom of some auction storage house and we felt the story of the book and how it came to be, was an important as the publication itself.

Contemporary Reception and Critical Acclaim

Norman Lindsay's etchings reveal his technical and imaginative prowess. His intricate lines and attention to detail captivate viewers, drawing them into the narratives he weaves within each composition. Through his etchings, Lindsay brings to life an array of subjects, including landscapes, mythological figures, nudes, and scenes of everyday life. The delicate interplay of light and shadow in his etchings adds depth and dimension, enhancing the emotional resonance of his works.

During his lifetime, Lindsay's etchings received both praise and criticism from the art community and the media. Some lauded his technical virtuosity and the evocative nature of his compositions. His ability to convey the human form with sensitivity and sensuality often garnered attention and sparked debate. However, his exploration of themes considered controversial for the time also drew criticism and occasionally sparked controversy.

Norman Lindsay's etchings have consistently held value in the art market, reflecting their enduring appeal and artistic significance. Lindsay's etchings have fetched significant prices in various auctions over the past decade and continue to rise in value as the last of his limited edition collections sell out worldwide. The value placed on his etchings is a testament to their continued demand and recognition among collectors and art enthusiasts. While there are some newer releases that are still able to be collected for as little as $360, his more famous pieces regularly sell unframed for more than AUD$3,000.

Galleries and Legacy

Lindsay's etchings can be found in numerous prestigious art galleries and private collections around the world including The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, and the State Library of New South Wales.

Norman Lindsay's etchings continue to enchant art enthusiasts with their technical brilliance and evocative storytelling. Despite the passage of time, Lindsay's works retain their power to captivate, provoke, and ignite the imagination. Through his etchings, Lindsay's artistic legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of Australian artists and contributing to the rich tapestry of Australian art history.

As we celebrate Norman Lindsay's contribution to the world of art, it is important to recognize the lasting impact of his etchings, both in the contemporary art scene and in preserving the artistic heritage of Australia. These etchings serve as a testament to Lindsay's genius and his ability to transcend time, leaving an indelible imprint on the artistic landscape.