Family played a central role in Josephine’s life. She was the eldest – and longest-living – of 10 children, with four sisters and five brothers. In later years, she enjoyed a wide extended family and had a close relationship with many nieces and nephews.
Josephine often used family members as informal subjects, as seen throughout her body of work. They would have been willing and accessible models, enabling her to refine her skills and experiment with different techniques.
The formal portraits in this collection serve another purpose. Through these works, Josephine sought to document and honour family members, preserving their likeness and legacy for future generations.
Town Clerk of Wangaratta, Victoria, from 1910–1940 and Josephine’s third eldest brother.
A well-known civil and municipal engineer throughout Victoria and Josephine’s second eldest brother.
Josephine’s sister in law, who was married to William Jamieson Muntz.
Mabel was the eldest daughter of Josephine’s brother Edwin Parnell Muntz. She was also an accomplished pianist.
Christina was married to Josephine’s eldest brother, Edwin Parnell Muntz.
Josephine’s great-niece, Rosemary Hagenaar.
Josephine’s nephew-in-law, married to Mabel Josephine Hagenaar.
This haunting portrait of Josephine’s niece reveals the artist’s sensitivity to mood and expression.