The NSW Police Force has loaned an authentic Norman Lindsay artwork named ‘Woman and Satyr’ to the Southern Highlands community that will be displayed over the next year, NSW Police say.
The original oil painting, which is believed to have been produced in the 1940s will be unveiled today, at the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery.
The artwork was transferred to Goulburn this week from the Norman Lindsay Gallery at Faulconbridge, where it had previously been loaned as a gesture of support and goodwill to the local community.
The NSW Police Force became aware of the painting in September 2010, when the Art Gallery of NSW discovered it in the gallery’s storage facility.
Documents associated with the artwork indicate the NSW Police Force had lent the painting to the Art Gallery of NSW in 1980; however, the details of how police came to be in possession of the piece are yet to be clarified.
The painting is an original Norman Lindsay and is estimated to be valued between $30,000 and $40,000.
After the discovery of the painting, the NSW Police Force established ‘Operation Matisse’ – a search to try to locate the owner(s) of the artwork.
Several months of investigation revealed that at one stage the painting belonged to a prominent art-collecting family in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
The Hume Local Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Chad Gillies, will formally present the artwork to the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery at 10am today.
A/Supt Gillies said he is pleased to be able to loan the artwork to the regional community on behalf of NSW Police Force.
"It’s wonderful that this unique painting can be loaned to the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery to showcase an iconic Australian artist," A/Supt Gillies said.
"While the history and ownership of the artwork remains a mystery to this day – it’s positive to see it on display for the benefit and enjoyment of the community.
"Policing is not traditionally associated with the Arts; however, I am honoured to present this artwork to the community on behalf of the NSW Police Force," A/Supt Gillies said.
"I encourage members of the public to make a trip to the gallery over the next 12 months to view the artwork."
