Josephine Muntz Adams was known for her adventurous and expressive style, setting her apart as a leading portraitist of her time.
Art historians Victoria Hammond and Juliet Peers underscored her significance in their exhibition catalogue for Completing the Picture: Women Artists and the Heidelberg Era (1992).
‘A reviewer remarked on a “touch of genius” in her ability to capture the personality of the sitter through the expression in the eyes.’1
An early example of Josephine’s work, painted when she was around 27.
Painted when Josephine would have been in her late 50s.
Possibly painted by Josephine when she was in her 40s.
Muntz Adams as she wanted to be seen – ‘active, industrious and, above all, creative’.
Arguably the most important of Josephine’s commissioned portraits – the 14th Premier of Victoria.
The last known commission undertaken by Josephine Muntz Adams.
Professor of Theology at Ormond College, The University of Melbourne.
One of the early leaders of the movement that led to the establishment of the Australian Labor Party.
Member of the Victorian Parliament and Mayor of Geelong.