McCubbin's first study of 'Lost '  is thought to 
have been inspired by Clara Crosbie, a twelve 
year old who was found alive after three weeks 
lost in the bush near Lilydale, Victoria in 1886. 
The second work may well have a similar story
behind it. Becoming lost was one of the great
dangers facing Australian children in pioneering 
days and was not uncommon.
McCubbin studied art part-time for  fifteen years
from 1871. He was a renowned member of the 
famous Australian 'Heidelberg School ' and is 
perhaps the first white Australian artist of 
significance. McCubbin uses a limited range of 
colours, using 'tonal values' of related colours to
give an integrated sense of light flooding his
paintings. This technique shows the wonderful
luminous light of Australia at it's best
Like to see more of McCubbins work?
Go to
The National Gallery of Victoria

Background set © VJBE 99
Adapted from McCubbin's most famous 
work, a tryptich named 'The Pioneers', 
of which this is detail of the central panel.