MONASH AND STREETON: TWO MEN WHO HELPED BUILD OUR NATIONAL IDENTITY

Arthur Streeton is one of Australia's most collectible landscape artists, with an international reputation that has grown since his passing in September, 1943.  Sir John Monash was one of Australia's greatest military commanders and a pillar of Melbourne society.  
No-one has eclipsed his remarkable war service before or since his passing in 1931.

Surprisingly, their connection is through both art and war.  

Streeton was an official Australian War Artist who travelled to France in 1918.  It was there he met Monash who was commanding the Australian Corps, comprising all five Australian infantry divisions serving on the Western Front.

In November of that year, the men met at Monash's headquarters at La Cateau.  At the time of their meeting, both were known to be formidable people - they were principled, brave, self-directed and inspirational.  And clearly, they bonded.

Today, more than 100 years after their fateful meeting, a watercolour by Streeton of Monash's headquarters, signed and endorsed 'A. Streeton/La Cateau 1918' and presented by the artist to Monash, is being offered for sale by the family via Leski Auctions on Sunday, May 26.

The proceeds of this auction will support charitable organisations working in social welfare, music and science.  These were causes that were close to Monash's heart.

"This powerful work not only endorses Streeton's standing as an artist of record, but it shows the respect he bestows on our greatest military leader who turned the war in favour of the allies," says Charles Leski.

"It's interesting that Monash was also the subject of another great work of art - his portrait appears on Australia's $100 note!"

Below: Monash's Headquarters at La Cateau as captured by Streeton.

Lot 720, a watercolour signed and endorsed 'A. Streeton/La Cateau 1918' at lower right.  36 x 54cm; framed 59 x 76cm.  The pre-sale estimate is $50,000 - $80,000.    

The auction will be held on Sunday, May 26th from 10.00am.  Details can be found at www.leski.com.au.

About Leski Auctions
Leski Auctions was established in 1973. Today, it is regarded as one of Australia's leading auctioneers of Sporting Memorabilia, Australian Art & Antiques, Collectibles and World Philately.  Among the many significant collections that Leski Auctions has been privileged to sell are those of Shirley Strickland, Ron Clarke, Sir Reginald Ansett and former RSL President, Bruce Ruxton.  It has sold more 'baggy green' caps than any other auction house in the world.

Charles Leski is a registered valuer for the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts' Cultural Gifts Program.  He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Melbourne.  

The company is located at 727-729 High Street Armadale, Victoria 3143 Australia.  
Tel +61 3 8539 6150/+61 412 053 692 and www.leski.com.au