Aby Altson Paintings

Aby Altson was an Australian artist, known for his portrait and figure paintings. He was born Abraham Altson on July 15, 1864, in Liverpool, England, but moved to Australia with his family when he was a child. Altson showed an early interest in art and began his formal training at the National Gallery School in Melbourne under George Folingsby, a respected artist and teacher of the time.

After winning several student awards, Altson continued to develop his craft, and in 1887, he was awarded the prestigious National Gallery Travelling Scholarship. This allowed him to study in Europe, where he spent significant time in Paris at the Académie Julian, a private art school popular with international students. During his time in Paris, Altson was influenced by the academic style of painting, which emphasized classical techniques and the depiction of historical and mythological subjects.

Altson returned to Australia in the 1890s and began to establish himself as a portraitist. He gained recognition for his refined technique and attention to detail. His works were frequently exhibited at the Victorian Artists Society and the Australian Artists' Association shows, and he became a respected figure in the Australian art scene.

Throughout his career, Altson was known for his ability to capture the character and essence of his subjects. One of his most notable works is 'The Golden Age,' which won the first prize at the Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition in 1888. This painting reflects his academic training and showcases his skill in creating a harmonious composition with a narrative element.

Despite his success, Altson faced financial difficulties later in life. He moved to London in the early 20th century, hoping to find better opportunities, but his traditional style was falling out of favor as modern art movements began to emerge. Altson continued to paint and exhibit his works, but he never achieved the same level of prominence he had enjoyed in Australia.

Aby Altson died on September 15, 1949, in London. His legacy lives on through his paintings, many of which are held in Australian public collections, including the National Gallery of Victoria and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Altson's work represents an important chapter in the history of Australian art, bridging the gap between European academic traditions and the development of a distinct Australian art identity.