The golden splendour of the bush

Born in Sydney in 1859, W Lister Lister's work was very popular in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, winning the Wynne Prize seven times. Although recognised as an accomplished craftsman of large-scale works, Lister's contemporaries criticised the lack of emotion in his paintings. In spite of his conservatism, he was an ambitious painter who, like WC Piguenit before him, was greatly inspired by the scale and magnificence of the Australian landscape.

Following the award of the Wynne Prize in 1906, enthusiasm for this painting amongst members of the public and the Royal Art Society of NSW led a group of private individuals to organise its purchase and presentation to the Gallery as a gift.

This work was acquired by the Gallery in 1907.