Guerard Mount Townsend 1863

Eugene von Guerard (1811-1901) was an Austrian-born artist who is considered one of the most important landscape painters in Australian art history. He began his career as a painter in Europe, where he studied under the renowned German landscape painter Johann von Schraudolph. Von Guerard moved to Australia in 1852 and quickly established himself as one of the country's leading landscape painters. He travelled extensively throughout Australia, producing numerous paintings that captured the natural beauty of the country and its unique flora and fauna. Von Guerard's paintings are characterised by their attention to detail and scientific accuracy. He often included geological features and botanical specimens in his works, reflecting his interest in the natural sciences. Despite his success in Australia, von Guerard returned to Europe in 1870, where he continued to paint landscapes until his death in 1901. His works are now held in many public collections, including the National Gallery of Victoria and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.