Attr: “Dreamy Afternoon”.

Oil On Canvas

Actual: 40 x 50cm (h x w)

Framed: 56 x 66cm

Signed Lower right, C Beckett

Description:

Clarice Beckett was a key figure in the Australian tonalist movement. She began her artistic education at the National Gallery School in Melbourne under the guidance of Frederic McCubbin and later continued her studies under the controversial art theorist Max Meldrum.

In 1935, Clarice tragically passed away from pneumonia at the age of 48. Following her death, a large portion of her works—over a thousand pieces—were initially considered unfinished and were subsequently destroyed by her father. The remaining collection was exhibited in Melbourne the following year. Additionally, around two thousand works were stored in an exposed shed, with only two-thirds of them salvageable.

The artwork in question likely originates from the Clarice Beckett Exhibition held on May 4, 1936, titled "Cat No 9: Dreamy Afternoon," with an estimated value of 18 Guineas. It’s worth noting that other known works under the title "Lazy" depict figures on deckchairs alongside children at play, similar to this piece, which features two figures lounging on deckchairs with a dreamy expression.

Currently, we have not been able to find any auction records for this specific title attributed to Clarice Beckett. Furthermore, it does not exhibit fluorescence under UV light.

Provenance:

(possibly) exhibited in the Clarice Beckett Exhibition, Athenaeum Hall 1936, cat no.9 “Dreamy Afternoon” 18gn

Possibly acquired from above by Jack Hogan, then by descent Tim Hogan, Malvern Fine Art, Armadale

Private Collection 1977, Victoria

Private Collection Brisbane from above.