Year Of Birth

1879

Year Of Death

1965

Biography

Bessie Davidson was an Australian-born painter whose career flourished in Paris, where she became an important figure within the expatriate artistic community of the early twentieth century. After studying at the National Gallery School in Melbourne under Frederick McCubbin, she settled permanently in France in 1906, embracing the influence of French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism while developing a refined, light-filled style of her own. Best known for her intimate depictions of domestic interiors, gardens, still lifes and Parisian streets, Davidson's paintings are distinguished by their harmonious colour, subtle handling of light and quiet lyricism. Widely exhibited in France, she achieved significant recognition through regular participation in the Paris Salons and was appointed a Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur in 1931 for her contribution to French art. Today, Davidson is recognised as one of Australia's most accomplished expatriate artists, occupying an important place in the history of Australian and French modernism, with works held in major public collections including the National Gallery of Australia and state galleries across Australia.