Arthur Boyd - The Expulsion
1948, AGNSW
By Brooke Salisbury
What is it? The last of Boyd's biblical works, which meditate on ideas of family and relationships through religious motifs. This work is currently part of the Australian Art collection in AGNSW.
Why does it look familiar? Boyd is paying homage to Renaissance painter Masaccio's 1427 work of the same name.
Why is it a classic? Mythical subject matter combined with outback vegetation and red soil make it a definitive piece of Australian art.
Is it Pope-friendly? Boyd uses Adam and Eve to illustrate two lovers' lack of privacy, based on his experiences while courting his wife after a slog in the army. Considering the whole abstinence thing, perhaps the Pope wouldn't understand.