MIRIAM MOXHAM

Private collection, Sydney; purchased from the above 

John Young Collection
Fine Australian Paintings, Sotheby's, Melbourne, 28-29 April 1997, lot 139

Good condition. Irregularities on rough weave canvas. UV inspection reveals small areas of retouching to right centre beside arm. Traction deformations evident around centre and slight cupping lower centre. A light scratch lower right.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Portrait of Beryl Young by Miriam Moxham brings together two Sydney artists who were associated during the 1930s. The sitter, Beryl Young, is remembered today as the daughter of John Young, who, with Basil Burdett, founded Sydney's Macquarie Galleries in Blight Street in 1925. Historically one of Sydney's most important commercial galleries, it successfully launched many Australian artists on their careers. At one time, Moxham, Beryl Young and E. A. Harvey participated in Arthur Murch's sketching camps at Thirroul on the New South Wales' south coast. In addition to portraits, Moxham exhibited landscapes, still life and genre paintings, and several times entered the Sulman Prize competition. Her 1945 Sulman entry was the mural design, Sport of Kings - The Preliminary, a scene taken from the Randwick Racecourse. Contrary to her friendship with Young, she held her first exhibition at the rival Sydney Grosvenor Galleries in 1937.

Moxham's best-known portrait is The Man with the Red Tie, now in the collection of the Manly Art Gallery. Painted in 1909, it depicts Dattilo Rubbo, her then teacher at the Royal Art Society. Included in the Society's exhibition of that year, it carries the artist's maiden name 'Huntley'. Both her portraits of Rubbo and Young show Moxham's considerable draughtsmanship, that of Young being striking in its directness, psychological insight, and handling of light.