BOISSEVAIN, WILLIAM (1927- )

"Riverscape" (1974) 
oil on board
60 x 90cm
signed lower right
*private collection, Sydney
 
William 'Wim' Boissevain O.B.E. is a legendary award-winning Dutch-Australian Painter. He has enjoyed a world-wide reputation as one of Australia’s most distinguished artists. His paintings hang in galleries and major collections throughout the world. He was awarded an Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) in 1978 for his services to the advancement of art. Boissevain was born in New York in 1927, the son of a Dutch diplomat. He grew up moving around the world, as a result of his parents various postings. He studied at l’Academie des Beaux Arts, Paris and at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, London and has lived in Western Australia since 1947. Since 1964, he has been a regular Finalist in the Archibald & Wynne Prizes, and held exhibitions in many major galleries in Perth (commencing with the Skinner Gallery) and Sydney. His paintings are avidly sought by collectors. His portrait of Sir James Alexander Forrest is held in the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.