Robert Lewis John Ellery was an astronomer, surveyor and public servant. He was a leading figure in the Melbourne scientific community and served as Victorian government astronomer for 42 years and as President of the Royal Society of Victoria for almost 20 years.
Josephine commenced this portrait immediately on her return to Melbourne from Europe in 1896, but ill health prevented her from completing it until 1897.
According to the weekly Melbourne magazine Table Talk: ‘The expression [in the portrait] is characteristic, and though the fine modelling of the head and face indicate rare power on the artist’s part, it is in the kindly, contemplative eyes that the best effect is secured.
‘A faint shadow from the glass of the spectacles is felt rather than seen, and this adds to the respectful aspect of the face. The highlight on the forehead, and the painting of the hair and beard, bear out Professor Herkomer’s [Josephine’s teacher at Herkomer’s Art School in the UK] compliment to his pupil that the work of Miss Muntz was more like that of a man than of a woman.’1
The portrait was gifted to the University of Melbourne by the Institute of Surveyors Australia, Victorian Division, in 1970.
Image courtesy of the University of Melbourne Art Collection.
