Sidney Nolan (1917 - 1992)
The Light Horseman
circa 1960-64
monotype
16 x 11 cm
signed lower right

In 1956, after completing his first Kelly series, Sir Sidney Nolan's visit to Gallipoli consequently inspired his next major series - the Gallipoli series. Sidney Nolan once described Gallipoli as 'the great modern Australian legend, the nearest thing to a deeply felt common religious experience shared by Australians - even today'.

Nolan approached this major series by combining historic source material with his own highly expressive imagery. Rather than use a narrative sequence he chose to develop themes such as the head of a soldier. As a result, this rare monotype titled 'The Light Horseman', is an iconic example from the Gallipoli series.

In May 1977 Nolan donated his Gallipoli series of paintings and drawings to the nation through the Australian War Memorial. Consequently, this makes 'The Light Horseman' a very rare offering to the market indeed.

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