Presented to the University of Melbourne Union in 1938, the Ewing Collection comprises fifty-six paintings, prints and drawings by major nineteenth and early twentieth-century artists. By donating the collection to the university, it was Ewing’s intention that these works instruct Australians in a love of their country.

The themes of nationhood and identity remain central to Australian visual culture today, and this exhibition provides an opportunity to consider the changing values in the interpretation of Australian art.

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