The remarkable career of Charles Conder
At the small but distinguished exhibition at the Courtauld Institute — Toulouse-Lautrec and Jane Avril (until 18 September) — we glimpse many of the habitués of the Moulin Rouge with the exception of Charles Conder. A marginal figure in at least four works by Lautrec, he is also the subject of a fine portrait drawing at the Art Gallery of Aberdeen. Conder was born in London in 1868 and as a child went to Australia with his parents. He showed an early aptitude for art and at the age of 15 was employed as an illustrator for the Sydney Morning Herald.
In the next few years, with another group of Australian painters including Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts, he painted a number of plein air works of extraordinary preciosity which are landmarks of Australian impressionism. The group became known as the ‘Heidelberg School’ after what was then a rural Melbourne suburb and a favourite haunt of artists.
In 1889, Conder sailed for England and went to Paris the following year to study at the Académie Julian where he met William Rothenstein.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in