Norman Lindsay

1879 - 1969

Quick Facts

  • Art period: Modern
  • Top-ranked work: Suspense
  • Works on APS: 2
  • Born: 1879, Creswick, Australia
  • Lifespan: 90 years
  • Museums on APS: Art Gallery of New South Wales

The Prolific Life of Norman Lindsay

Norman Lindsay was a versatile Australian artist, etcher, sculptor, writer, art critic, novelist, cartoonist, caricaturist, and author. Born in Creswick, Australia, he was a member of a large family, the fifth of ten children. His creative energy was immense, often working through a rigorous daily routine that included producing watercolours before breakfast, etching in his studio until late afternoon, working on concrete sculptures in his garden, and writing chapters for his novels in the evenings. Beyond his visual arts, he was a vocal nationalist and a regular artist for The Bulletin. He also demonstrated a talent for model ship building, sometimes melting down lead casings from oil paint tubes to create figures for his models.

Artistic Output and Literary Works

Lindsay's vast body of work spanned multiple media, including pen drawing, etching, watercolour, oil, and sculptures in concrete and bronze. His literary contributions were equally diverse, ranging from the classic children's book The Magic Pudding to controversial novels such as Redheap and Age of Consent. His artistic style often featured:

His work was frequently the subject of debate, with some critics labeling it "salacious" or "degenerate," while others praised the vitality of his figures. His legacy is preserved in the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum, located at his former home in the Blue Mountains.

Questions & Answers

Where are Norman Lindsay's artworks grouped by keywords?

Norman Lindsay's works can be explored by keyword on the artist's By Keywords page. Each keyword groups the related artworks.

What aliases or alternate names does Norman Lindsay have?

Norman Lindsay is also known as نورمان ليندسي, ノーマン・リンジー, Норман Линдсэй, 諾曼·林賽.

What are the birthplace and birth year of Norman Lindsay?

Norman Lindsay was born in Creswick in 1879.

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which Australian city was Norman Lindsay born?
Question 2:
Which work by Norman Lindsay is considered a classic of Australian children's literature?
Question 3:
What was the name of the 1938 novel by Lindsay that was banned in Australia until 1962?
Question 4:
Which newspaper did Lindsay work for for fifty years?
Question 5:
What was the profession of Norman Lindsay's father, Robert Charles William Alexander Lindsay?