JAMES NORTHFIELD (1887 -1973) AUSTRALIAN PARROTS / AUSTRALIA. Circa 1935. 39 1/2x25 inches, 100x63 1/2 cm. F. W. Niven, Melbourne. Condition B+: vertical and horizontal folds; creases, abrasions and minor restoration in image. "One of ANTA's [Australia National Tourist Association] first actions was to commission a series of promotional posters from Northfield, Trompf and Sellheim, bringing their work to an international as well as national audience. These images, intended for display around the world but largely targeted at countries in the British Empire and the United States, celebrated Australia's 'unique' attractions, presenting colorful images of land and seascapes, flora and fauna and attractive people enjoying outdoor pursuits in the glorious weather. With the word AUSTRALIA printed across the top or bottom of each sheet, the posters served as a visual lexicon of Australian national identity" (Northfield p. 10). This poster depicts a King Parrot, an Eastern Rosella, Major Mitchell Cockatoos and a Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo. Northfield cover and p. 30.
