For the first time, an exhibition of the late works of one of the foremost Australian Impressionists, Frederick McCubbin (1855–1917). Last Impressions traces the radical changes to the artist’s work—after viewing the great European Impressionists such as Turner and Monet—to a freer and more expressive style.

McCubbin conveyed the varying effects of light—sparkling, flickering and hazed—through his striking use of colour. The exhibition includes a range of joyous paintings covering landscapes, seascapes, views of docks and industry, city life, portraits and interiors.

The National Gallery has sourced loans from every major state gallery for this exhibition. It will include key works such as Violet and gold 1911 (National Gallery of Australia), The coming of spring 1912 (National Gallery of Australia), Golden sunlight 1914 (Castlemaine Art Gallery & Historical Museum), Collins Street c 1915 (private collection) and Ships, Williamstown 1915 (private collection)—as well as a number of McCubbin’s intimate sketches. Some of these paintings are among Australia’s greatest works of the Federation period.