The National Gallery of Victoria has unveiled its latest major acquisition - a work by Hugh Ramsay that has been regarded as the artist's most important painting remaining in private ownership

Friday 8th November 2002

RAMSAY SELF-PORTRAIT IN WHITE JACKET IS LATEST NGV ACQUISITION
The work, Hugh Ramsay's Self portrait in white jacket (1901- 02) has been presented to the NGV by Ramsay's niece, Mrs Nell Turnbull, and her family. The work is valued at more than $600,000.

NGV Director, Gerard Vaughan, said Ramsay's self portrait was painted at the peak of his career. The work complements three other self-portraits by Ramsay owned by the NGV and will be on display in the Level 2 Galleries at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, opening at 1.30pm on Thursday, 28 November 2002.

The NGV also owns other key works by Ramsay. Another masterpiece by Ramsay, Jeanne, was presented to the Gallery last year by another member of the artist's family, the late Mr John Wicking.

Ramsay was a student of the National Gallery of Victoria's School in the 1890's. The head of the school at the time, Bernard Hall, said that Ramsay was the most gifted young artist he had seen.

His talent was also noticed by celebrities of the time, including Dame Nellie Melba, who commissioned several portraits by the young painter.

"Ramsay quickly developed his talent during a visit to Paris, where all four self-portraits were painted, however the gift just made to the NGV demonstrates a new-found confidence by the 24-year-old artist."

Dr Vaughan said the full frontal 'swagger' stance adopted by Ramsay demonstrated the flamboyance, confidence and promise of the young artist who was, at the time, on the brink of an international career as a portrait painter.

"The central line of composition through the work, from the parting in his hair, his nose, the buttons down his jacket and even positioning of his hands is breath-taking and an amazing contrast to his work of a few months before, Jeanne, where the young child is slumped in a chair.

"Tragically, at the peak of his career, Ramsay also learned he had tuberculosis which forced him back to Australia where he died at the young age of 28."

Dr Vaughan warmly thanked Mrs Turnbull and other members of her family for their major gift to the people of Victoria.

"The family have been major supporters of the NGV over many decades and we are delighted that this gift has been made specifically to allow the public to enjoy this important painting, along with our major Ramsay works when NGV Australia opens in three weeks time."