In The cricketers, how is the History discussed?
The painting was commissioned by Walter Hutchinson, an English publisher, for his own collection, known as the "National Collection of British Sports and Pastimes". Looking for a picture of an Australian cricket match, Hutchinson asked his Melbourne office to commission a well-known Australian artist for this purpose.  Leonard Voss Smith, an art dealer who often worked for Hutchinson, spoke to Drysdale who was then painting in the town of Hill End in the Central West region of New South Wales. Drysdale accepted the commission, worth £150.When complete, Voss Smith sent Drysdale's work through to Hutchinson in England. Hutchinson was shocked, the painting was nothing like what he had expected. Immediately Hutchinson sent a telegram back to Melbourne, firing Smith. The next day Hutchinson reconsidered and rehired Voss Smith, after satisfying himself that Drysdale was a respected artist in Australia.The painting, valued in 2004 at A$6,000,000, is now owned by JGL Investments, a Melbourne-based investment company. It was last on public exhibition in 1998.
cricket Melbourne Hill End Central West New South Wales