Brett Whiteley
1939 - 1992 The ivory necklace 1975- oil on canvas
Description
This expansive painting, depicting a glorious sweeping view through the verdant garden of Whiteley's studio to Lavender Bay, was one of the earliest acquisitions by Wesfarmers, purchased in 1986.
With a cameo drawing of the artist's wife, Wendy Whiteley, prominent in the foreground, surrounded by decorative personal items - including the string of ivory beads and a sensuously priapic candle - the work is as much an evocation of love and desire as it an ode to the beauty of Sydney.