Sketchbook - Mary Cockburn Mercer, Ballet

Blank pages
Dimensions: 17.7 x 25 cm
Made in Melbourne
Exclusive to the NGV design store

Bisexual Australian artist Mary Cockburn Mercer spent most of her life in Europe. At the age of seventeen, she ran away from school to Paris to experience bohemian life in Montparnasse. In the first decades of the twentieth century, Paris was known for its liberal attitude, and tolerance of diverse political views and lifestyles. Artists like Mercer, who sought new impulses in art and life, were able to develop their careers there, explore non-traditional gender roles and enjoy more sexual freedom. In Paris Mercer met Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Kees van Dongen and others, and their diverse influences are discernible in this playful composition.

Mary Cockburn Mercer
Australian 1882–1963, worked throughout Europe 1920s–1937,
France 1952–63
(Ballet) c. 1939
oil on canvas
94.7 x 66.3 cm
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Robin Sharwood in honour of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch's 100th birthday through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program, 2009
© The Estate of Mary Cockburn Mercer