PORTRAIT OF MELBA.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1342, 20 January 1912, Page 11

PORTRAIT OF MELBA.

BT A SYDNEY ABTIST. When the announcement of lime. Itelba's intention to present (o the National Gallery a portrait of herself was made public there was a universal feeling of satisfaction. It was fitting that upon tho walls there should be a portrait of the greatest living soprano, whD came into tho world in sunny Australia, "the woman who is proud to be an Australian," to quote her own woids. But that the picture should also be a gift to the nation by tho singer herself was more than most people had dared to hope for. Naturally the next point of argument which arose was as to what artist would bo entrusted with the commission. Various names were suggested, but the consensus of opinion was that here, in the fair land where the wonderful voice had its birth, the mirrored memory of the singer should be placed on canvas. Few persons, however, were awaro that at that timo Mme. Melba had already given sittings to a local artist, the most successful woman artist in the Commonwealth to-day—Hiss Florence Rodway. And in reality at the time when she made her historic announcement, tho picture was already approaching completion. To-day it is finished, and on exhibition at the rooms of the Free Art Society, 29 Bligli Street, and when the invitation to view it is accepted and a few moments spent before the canvas, the visitor begins to realise what a great artist Miss Rodway is. The picture is a pastel in strong, warm tints, and about life-size. Australia's Queen of Song is seen in profile, and the vignette shows a dark, soft gown and a lighter scarf thrown with careless art about tho shoulders. Save for a rich, dark background, in which browns and reds form an admirable contrast, the general impression is of black and grey, a light swathing of primrose gauze about tho dark hair, which is dressed in Grecian fashion, supplying the only striking colour note. But what a likeness it is! There is in the clear flesh tint the wellmoulded brow and chin, the great column of that wonderful throat, and the lifelike pose of the head upon the shoulders, au inspiring personality of the original. But, over and above all else, it is in that indefinable thing, tho expression, that. Miss Rodway has reached her highest note of excellence. Those who know Melba best and have watched her oftenest will bo first to admit the perfection of it. Tho eyes arc Melba's own. and when you look at Mme. Melba tho living woman is looking out and past you. Whatever be the ultimate destination of the picture, it will remain one of unique interest to Australians—a great picture of a gifted Australian, painted by a fellow-countrywoman whose skill is worthy of her subject. It is a portrait which should be owned by the nation, and if by chance the choice of madams should fall upon it, and it is known that she has expressed her great, pleasure at it, then that choice would be ono which would give the most universal satisfaction.