The NSW Police Force has loaned an authentic Norman Lindsay artwork – ‘Woman with Satyr’ – to the Blue Mountains community that will be displayed at a local gallery over the next 12 months, NSW Police say.
The original oil painting, which is believed to have been produced in the 1940’s, will be unveiled today, at the Norman Lindsay Gallery in Faulconbridge.
The artwork was transferred to the Blue Mountains last month from the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo, 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.
Blue Mountains Local Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Darryl Jobson, will formally present the artwork to the Norman Lindsay Gallery Advisory Committee at 2pm today.
Det Supt Jobson said he is pleased to have the opportunity to loan the artwork to the regional community on behalf of NSW Police Force.
"It’s wonderful that this unique painting will be loaned to a regional gallery already dedicated to showcasing this iconic Australian artist’s work – where it will benefit the entire local community," Det Supt Jobson said.
"While the history and ownership of this piece remains a mystery to this day – it’s certainly positive to see it on display for everyone’s enjoyment.
"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," Det Supt Jobson said.
"I encourage members of the public to make a trip to the gallery over the next 12 months to view the artwork alongside their extensive Norman Lindsay collection."
