Oil on canvas
51 x 41 cm (image)
$58,000

Rita Lee was Lindsay’s most favourite and most famous model discovered around 1938 at the age of 18. She frequently posed for him until her marriage in 1943. Rita was from Chinese-Anglo Australian heritage renown for her striking exotic looks, and featured in many of Lindsay’s most highly prized paintings.

Lindsay said of Rita: “she was a gift from the gods, a model such as happens once in a blue moon.” Her combination of detachment, elegance and striking good looks made Rita the perfect model. This piece has not been offered for sale in over 26 years.

Reference:
illustrated p.147 Norman Lindsay Oil Paintings 1889-1969 by Lin Bloomfield 2006 Odana

Editions:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/blog/who-was-rita-lee-the-story-behind-norman-lindsays-most-famous-model/