From the early 1800s, the British were encouraged to emigrate to Australia and become wealthy by working the land or, from the 1850s, by trying their luck on the goldfields. This work represents the changing popular response to emigration to Australia.When
Abraham Solomon painted
Second Class in 1854, circumstances in England and Australia had changed dramatically. Gold had been discovered in Australia, transportation had virtually ceased and the political print had lost its popularity in England.
Solomon’s painting shows a
young man leaving for the goldfields, his family accompanying him on the train journey. The work is aimed at a sentimental middle-class market – when will the mother see her son again?This painting forms part of a wider genre presenting free settlers (and gold rush emigrants) to Australia and other British empire colonies. After receiving accolades at the Royal Academy,
Second Class, together with its counterpart First Class 1954, became popular through printed reproductions,being produced as a lithographic print both in England and Germany.Roger ButlerText ©
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra 2010From: Anne Gray (ed),
Australian art in the
National Gallery of Australia,
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, 2002
Questions & Answers
Is this Second Class - the parting: painted by hand or printed?
Painted by hand: a trained painter copies Second Class - the parting: in oil on linen canvas.
What size should I choose for Second Class - the parting: ?
The original measures 966 x 694 cm. Sizes run from 25.8 x 38.7 cm ($200) to 164.8 x 246.8 cm ($1520); the table on this page lists the main steps and their prices.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery takes 4 to 5 weeks, with free worldwide express shipping; an urgent production option is offered on this page. You can return it within 100 days for a full refund, with no condition.
Where is the original Second Class - the parting: ?
The original is in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.