Description
Opening of 1st Parliament (1901) by Tom Roberts is a historic and monumental painting that captures a pivotal moment in Australia’s history: the opening of the first Australian Federal Parliament in 1901. This event marked the beginning of Australia’s journey as a federated nation, bringing together representatives from the newly formed Commonwealth. Roberts, who had an acute sense of national identity and a deep connection to Australian life, was commissioned to capture this significant moment in Australian political history, and his painting serves as both a historical document and an artistic achievement.
The composition of Opening 1st Parliament focuses on the ceremonial proceedings in the newly constructed Parliament House in Melbourne. Roberts portrays the scene with a great sense of drama, capturing the grandiosity and formal nature of the event. At the center of the painting, we see the Governor-General, Lord Hopetoun, delivering the speech to formally open the Parliament. The figures surrounding him—members of the Australian Parliament, dignitaries, and guests—are rendered in fine detail, each individual contributing to the sense of occasion. The vibrant colors and sharp contrasts of the scene enhance its sense of formality, while the figures’ varied poses and expressions convey the gravity of the moment.
Roberts’ depiction of the architecture of Parliament House is also important in the painting, showcasing the grand scale and intricate design of the building. The imposing columns and arches provide a sense of space and authority, framing the historical proceedings. The light filtering through the large windows adds a sense of radiance and hope to the scene, reflecting the optimism of the new nation.
Opening 1st Parliament is more than just a historical record; it is an artwork that captures the atmosphere of a momentous event in Australian history, conveying the sense of unity and promise that accompanied the birth of the Commonwealth. Roberts’ technical prowess and understanding of national symbolism make this painting a key work in his career and an important piece of Australian cultural history.
