About the Artist

Clarice Beckett was one of Australia’s most important early Modernist painters, excelling in portraiture, still-life and landscape. The discovery of a trove of her artworks has led to her remarkable talent and evocative art being recognised afresh and greatly admired.

Clarice Beckett was self-effacing; she left no diaries or letters and was only occasionally mentioned in the diaries of her friends. For an insight into her enigmatic genius, Edith Ziegler focuses on Clarice’s family background, childhood; art education; philosophical, spiritual and psychological enquiries and influences; friendships and contacts. The reader is drawn into the world in which Clarice’s vision was formed and her talent developed.

About the Author

Edith Ziegler’s passion for history dates back to her childhood, but it was not until she had wrapped up a 30-year corporate and consulting career that she could truly pursue it.

After completing an M.Litt. (HD) and PhD in history, Edith embraced a ‘post-career career’ in historical research and writing. She has since published five books, the latest of which tells the remarkable story of little-known Modernist artist Clarice Beckett (1887-1935), known today for her haunting Melbourne scenes.