Italian Girl’s Head was painted in 1893, during Josephine’s time as a student in Paris.
The painting was later exhibited at the Melbourne Exhibition Buildings as part of the ‘Ideal Home Exhibition’ in 1936. Also exhibited were Study of a Young Girl and a self-portrait by Josephine, both of which received high praise from The Age:
‘The work which claims most attention is a portrait of a young girl, by Mrs. Muntz-Adams. This study is distinguished by both able technique and a fine appreciation of lighting and values, and has, in addition, a temperamental quality which one does not always find in the work of the approved professional portrait painter. A smaller self-portrait by the same artist is worthy of special consideration as a desirable addition to a national or civic collection.’1
This recognition prompted Josephine to offer both works for purchase to the National Gallery of Victoria. However, Acting Director William McInnes declined, noting that he had seen better examples of her work at the same exhibition. He instead selected Italian Girl’s Head for acquisition at a price of 60 guineas.
Read the story behind the acquisition of Italian Girl’s Head in ‘From rejection to renown at the NGV‘.
Image courtesy of the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.
This earlier version of Italian Girl’s Head, Female Portrait Study, is held by Duniera Estate in Mount Macedon, Victoria. Image courtesy of the Stoneman Foundation Collection.
