Unknown Seas – No. 200 of 550 – SOLD

Tiffany’s Research Notes on “Unknown Seas”:

This beautiful and mystical work “Unknown Seas” takes it’s inspiration from Greek mythology, with it’s portrayal of Sirens, beautiful women who enticed men and their ships to their death against the rocks with their bewitchingly sweet songs.

Norman Lindsay also spoke of his personal philosophy behind this work and the symbolism within: “the conception underlying “Unknown Seas” is, roughly speaking, the eternal adventure of sex … woman is the unknown … The Sirens represent perhaps that element of danger which is half the charm of the unknown adventure of love.”

The etching also displays Norman’s love for sailing ships and his skill as a model ship-builder. While he was living in London in 1909 and 1910 he spent many weeks studying and sketching the model ship collection held at the Science Museum in South Kensington.

Norman also completed a beautiful watercolour in 1923 on a similar theme, which is also titled “Unknown Seas”. This watercolour hangs in Norman Lindsay’s home Springwood, in the Blue Mountain in New South Wales. The home is preserved as the National Trust Norman Lindsay Museum & Gallery.

Original etchings of “Unknown Seas” are held at the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria.