Australia’s Impressionists focuses on the paintings of Tom Roberts (1856–1931), Arthur Streeton (1867–1943), Charles Conder (1868–1909) and John Russell (1858–1930).

All were key players in a distinctly Australian art movement which drew on influences ranging from Whistler’s subtle Nocturnes to the European tradition of plein-air painting. Roberts, Conder and Streeton championed a new epic Australian landscape style. Their colleague Russell lived in France for most of his life, and his art reveals affinities with his friends Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet, but he is distinguished foremost by his abilities as a colourist, which in turn had a transformative influence on a young Henri Matisse.

This beautiful book challenges our preconceptions of what is meant by Impressionism, enriches our understanding of Australian art and reveals the international nature of art-historical movements in the nineteenth century. The story is framed by unmistakably Australian subjects and locations, a preoccupation with light and colour, and an exploration of Australian identity and sense of nationhood.