... perseverance and independence of the Australian pioneer. A distinctive school of Australian plein-air impressionism evolved during this period, referred to as the Heidelberg School of Art. One of Australia's most loved impressionist artists and a founder of this select school was Frederick McCubbin. The Heidelberg School was the first important Australian art movement. The name 'Heidelberg' originated in July 1891 after art critic Sidney Dickinson coined the term whilst writing a review on an exhibition. "Both these artists are of that practice which may be called, for purposes of distinction the 'Heidelberg School' for their work has been done chiefly in this attractive suburb, where, with others of like inclination, they have established a summer congregation for out-of-door painting." 1 It was approximately 1885 when this small group of artists, primarily Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, and Charles Conder, came together to develop a distinctly Australian style of painting. The ...

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