Arthur Boyd

Date of Birth: July 24, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: April 24, 1999

Biography

Arthur Boyd (1920-1999) was an influential Australian painter known for his expressive and emotive style. Born into the Boyd artistic dynasty, Arthur was the grandson of renowned painter Arthur Merric Boyd and the son of painter and potter Merric Boyd and painter Doris Boyd. His work often depicted the Australian landscape with a unique blend of mystical and realist elements, reflecting both the beauty and harshness of the environment. Boyd’s art also frequently addressed humanitarian themes, such as the suffering of indigenous Australians and the broader plight of humanity. Throughout his career, Boyd experimented with various mediums, including painting, ceramics, and printmaking. Some of his most notable series include the “Bride” series, which explored themes of love and alienation, and the “Nebuchadnezzar” series, which delved into themes of madness and redemption. Boyd’s works have been exhibited widely and are held in major collections around the world, including the National Gallery of Australia and the Tate Gallery in London.

5 Interesting Facts about Arthur Boyd

1. Arthur Boyd was awarded the Order of Australia (AC) in 1979 for his services to art.

2. He was a key member of the Antipodeans, a group of Melbourne artists who opposed abstract expressionism in favor of figurative art.

3. Boyd donated his property, Bundanon, to the Australian government in 1993 to be used as an artist’s retreat and education center.

4. He spent several years living in England, where he was exposed to European art movements and further developed his style.

5. Boyd’s work often featured themes of social justice, including the mistreatment of Indigenous Australians and the consequences of war.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur Boyd

1. “I paint from the heart, not the head.”

2. “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”

3. “The landscape of Australia is so vast and so varied that it constantly inspires new ways of seeing.”

4. “I believe that painting should be a means of expression, not just decoration.”

5. “The role of the artist is to observe and make sense of the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Arthur Boyd’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $20 million at the peak of his career, largely due to the value of his art and his significant landholdings.