Modern artists works to interest auction enthusiasts

Deutscher and Hackett will offer works by some of Australia’s best-known modern and contemporary artists at its fine art auction from 7pm Wednesday at 105 Commercial Road, South Yarra.

Some of the more highly valued paintings include Grace Cossington Smith’s Yellow Drapes 1954 – once owned by fellow still life artist Adrian Feint.

Another is John Brack’s Pears 1957, a fascinating still life that illustrates his intellectual curiosity for the genre.

Jeffrey Smart’s On The Cassia 1965 carries a catalogue estimate of $220,000-$280,000 and was painted soon after the artist moved to Italy. His other major work in the auction is The Large Tanker 1984, an eloquent painting of light and shadows in harmony with the balanced realisation of the forms and captivating colours.

Fred Williams is well represented with the Fallen Tree 1966 and Arthur Boyd with Waterfall on the Banks of the Shoalhaven River – a good indication of how the latter was struck by the dour, untamed Australian landscape that became the impetus for his art.