Hon. James Balfour was a Scottish-born Australian merchant and politician, member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly 1866–68 and the Victorian Legislative Council from 1874–1913.
Balfour became a member of the first Ormond College Council in 1877 and continued until his death in 1913. In 1888, he gave a £1000 for the establishment of the Balfour Scholarship.
This is one of two portraits held by Ormond College; the other being of Professor M. McDonald. The Balfour portrait was restored in 2015. According to the Ormond College Magazine, it was in relatively good condition, but suffering from the effects of time:
‘There was a build-up of dirt and grime, an overall darkened yellow surface due to the aging of its original natural resin varnish and generalised craquelure with some flaking of the paint caused by a gradual loss of tension in the canvas. It was removed from its frame and both were cleaned. Areas of loss in the surface were infilled using reversible techniques and the portrait was rehoused in its frame in line with current conservation standards.
‘Muntz-Adams’ paintings are appreciated for their sensitivity and charm, and for her bold brushwork and vibrant colours. It has been commented that although the sitters for her portraits were still, her brushwork never was. We see this in the newly conserved Balfour portrait, which unveils the psychological presence of its siter previously hidden behind layers of dust. The details of his sombre clothing, appropriate for a Victorian gentleman, are brought into relief by colourful, swirling brushstrokes that hint at the emergence of a bouquet of flowers.’1
Image taken with permission at Ormond College, The University of Melbourne.
