Josephine Muntz Adams painted this life-sized portrait of Reginald Heber Roe towards the end of his long tenure as Headmaster of Brisbane Grammar School (1876–1909).
Roe went on to become the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland from 1910–1916.
When this work was exhibited in 1922 at Brisbane’s Sheldon Gallery, it was described in The Daily Mail as ‘arresting’ in its truth and presence1. Viewers were invited to see it under the best winter light (between noon and 3.30 pm) alongside Josephine’s portrait of government analyst John B. Henderson.
The Daily Mail critic hoped both portraits would be ‘secured for posterity’ – a recognition of both the sitters’ legacy and the artist’s skill.
Image courtesy of Brisbane Grammar School.
