General Sir John Monash (1865-1931) is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most iconic figures – his name perpetuated in institutions such as Melbourne’s Monash University and a major city freeway also bearing his moniker.

Regarded by some as “the only general of creative originality produced by the First World War”, Monash headed Australia’s 4^th Infantry Brigade at Gallipoli and in May 1918 became the Australian Corps commander, at the time the largest military contingent on the Western Front.

For fans of indigenous artist icon Emily Kame Kngwarreye (1909-1996), Melbourne-based Philips Auctions is offering three of her paintings (lots 230-232), all entitled My Country as part of its forthcoming timed online fine and decorative arts ending from 9.30am Monday May 13.

Although the paintings are nowhere near her normally very pricy works, they are still carrying individual catalogue estimates of $15,000-$20,000 and are a worthy addition to Aboriginal art collections.

Brett Whiteley (1939-1992), whose relatively early death deprived the Australian art industry of one its most iconic figures, continues to excite secondary art market buyers each time one of his paintings is offered for auction.

The Wren, 1978 is yet another leading example of his uncanny ability to capture the Australian landscape in all its glory – this time shimmering summer heat that covers rolling hills and valleys near his New South Wales home town of Bathurst.

With no million-dollar estimate paintings at its March 27 Melbourne auction, Menzies is relying on the pulling power of iconic Australian artists Charles Blackman (1928-2018) and Brett Whiteley (1939-1992) to bring buyers through the doors of its recently renovated 1 Darling Street, South Yarra premises for a 6.30pm start.

Blackman’s Day Dream 1958 (lot 33) carries the auction’s highest catalogue estimate of $200,000-$250,000.