The Hon. Henry Gullett MLC 1905

Julian Ashton’s portrait of The Hon. Henry Gullett MLC, captures the sitter in muted browns and greens, a traditional palette for civic portraiture. But I can feel the artist's hand searching, a little unsure, as the figure emerges from the dark background. I imagine Ashton, brush in hand, circling Gullett, trying to capture something of his essence in oil on canvas. What does it mean to paint a politician? I wonder, what were they talking about? Is it a gift, a commission, or some kind of transaction? Look at the way the light catches Gullett’s face, the soft modelling of his features, and the delicate rendering of his hands. There is a certain softness that speaks to human connection. The painting isn’t perfect, it’s a little stiff, a little formal, but it’s a genuine attempt to capture a likeness, a moment in time. Ashton nods to the tradition of portraiture, while also making it his own. We all work in the shadow of others. It’s like one big party line of creativity and cross-influence.