Shearing the Rams
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Shearing the Rams is an 1890 painting by Australian artist Tom Roberts. It depicts sheep shearers plying their trade in a timber shearing shed. Distinctly Australian in character, the painting is a celebration of pastoral life and work, especially "strong, masculine labour", and recognises the role that the wool industry played in the development of the country.
One of at least seventy sketches Robert made in preparation for Shearing the Rams
The "smiling tarboy" at the center of the painting was modelled on local girl Susan Bourne, then 9 years old.
Photograph of a shearing shed outside Melbourne, taken by Charles Nettleton, c. 1880
Heidelberg School
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The Heidelberg School was an Australian art movement of the late 19th century. It has been described as Australian impressionism.
Arthur Streeton, Golden Summer, Eaglemont, 1889
Buxton's Rooms, Swanston Street, site of the 9 by 5 Impression Exhibition
The 9 by 5 catalogue, designed by Conder, shows a female as an allegory of art being unraveled from the bandages of 'Convention'. The exhibition's theme of transience is also symbolised by falling blossoms and a dragonfly, which in folklore lives only one day.