Description
The painting ‘The Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth, 9th May, 1901’ (1901–1903) – by Tom Roberts
This giclée print serves as the key to Tom Roberts’ famous painting, The Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth, 9th May, 1901 (1901–1903). The print is a black-and-white sketch that clearly identifies the 269 people featured in the original artwork. These include the Governor-General, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and Australia’s first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton. Each person’s name matches to their portrait, designed to help viewers better understand this historic scene.
In the painting, Roberts skilfully combines personal detail with a sense of national pride. He places the main figures, such as the Prime Minister and Governor-General, prominently in the foreground. Meanwhile, the background shows a larger crowd and the impressive architecture of Parliament House. His use of rich colour and strong composition adds emotion and importance to the scene. As a result, the painting stands as a visual celebration of Australia’s unity.
The artist Thomas William Roberts (1856-1931)
Tom Roberts was one of the most important figures in Australian art. He played a central role in shaping the country’s artistic identity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His painting of the first Parliament is among his most iconic works. It captures a key moment in national history—the birth of the Commonwealth of Australia after Federation. It was in 1901, that the first Parliament met in Melbourne, and Roberts was commissioned to record this major event.
Roberts was born in England in 1856 and moved to Australia as a child. He studied at the National Gallery School in Melbourne and later in Europe, where he was influenced by Impressionism. By the 1880s, he had become a leader in the Melbourne art scene. Furthermore, as a founding member of the Heidelberg School, he helped create a new Australian style of painting. Through his work, Roberts blended history, innovation, and a deep love for the Australian people and landscape.
