When a landscape artist goes to war

Python went to the Streeton exhibition at the NSW Art gallery earlier this month. Arthur Streeton was a brilliant, impressionist landscape painter who never really made it overseas. When he was in Britain, World War 1 broke out. He was not accepted into the army, but late in the war managed to get a posting as a war artist.

I was struck by this peaceful picture of the French countryside. However, the plumes of smoke are from four allied barrage balloons a German fighter had just shut down. A close examination shows only two parachutes. The drama of the scene is completely obscured by they relaxed use of colours and setting.

he will be remembered for his Australian landscapes. This is where Python grew up in Sydney.