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THE BRADSHAW ALBUM No 1
Bradshaw
Period [1]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
1080x180mm (42x7 ins) |
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Some
of the earliest identifiable paintings from the Erudite Epoch are
the classic Tassel Bradshaws, which commence the Tassel Bradshaw
Period. These are believed to be the form of figures which
inspired Joseph Bradshaw to compare their appearance to the
'painted walls of an ancient Egyptian temple'. Characteristics of
this group include static stance plan alignment bodies with the
distinctive Broad Egyptian Shoulder bust detail. Their profile
heads almost invariably face left, and are decorated with a large
Dunce Cap Headdress hanging near vertically over the right
shoulder. This is one of the few examples where the head
silhouette suggests facial detail, particularly the nose and
receding Mayan-type forehead line.
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Bradshaw
Period [2]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
730mm (29ins) |
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Section
of a deteriorated discrete panel of at least nine Tassel Bradshaw
Figures, ranging in height from 390mm (15ins) to 730mm (29ins).
The alignments and associations of this group's typically
left-facing figure is worthy of note, as discrete compositions
depicting apparent scenes or activities are uncommon in Bradshaw
Period art. The figures have their right arm hanging and the other
raised to the elbow, with forearm arched above the head. This
stance is most commonly encountered on classic forms of early
Tassel Bradshaws, and is suggestive of some ceremonial or dance
action. The meshed decorative item draped from each figure's
shoulder is commonly associated with figures depicted in this kind
of stance..
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Bradshaw
Period [3]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
Round Head Variation 800x180mm (31x7 ins) |
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The
fine Round Head variation of a Tassel Bradshaw is probably the
most published image of a Kimberly Bradshaw Figure, but should not
be considered typical of this Group. Round Head variations are
comparatively rare, and the single arm raised in an arch above the
head represents one of this Group's few recurring alignments
suggesting ceremonial or ritual action. Figures in such alignments
frequently display a form of broad-meshed appendage visible below
the armpit, possibly representing a neckmounted artefact in real
life. The fine, precise linework evident on this 800mm (31ins)
figure's Multiple Fine Bangles and Tasselled Cord Elbow Band
indicates a high level of artistic skill in conjunction with fine
brushes and expertly prepared paint mixtures. |
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Bradshaw
Period [4]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
Round Head Variation 250mm (10ins) |
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A
discrete panel depicting a profile pair of Round Head Variation
Tassel Bradshaws in the slightly stopped alignment suggestive of a
dancing alignment. Each figure displays the Double Prong Antennae
headdress decoration, with the left figure additionally having a
bobbed Headdress. Detail of the Broad Cummerbund waistbands and
paunch lines are well defined, while the left figure's additional
finery includes shoulder mounted Tasselled Cords, a Tasselled Cord
decorated Chest Band and Ribbon Decorated Broad Elbow Bands.
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Bradshaw
Period [5]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
Ceremonial Figure 1720x520mm (68x20 ins) |
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This
1720mm (68 ins) figure is the largest complete Bradshaw figure
recorded to date, standing virtually life size, as Joseph Bradshaw
described in some of his original discoveries. This typically
left-facing depiction includes most attributes of the classic
early Tassel Bradshaws, such as the Broad Egyptian Shoulders and
hanging arms. Noteworthy minor variations include the horizontal
headdress alignment (rather than hanging), and a Half Tram Track
feature, rather than Half Centipede, closely aligned over only the
headdress. The head has a carefully applied bumpy silhouette,
possibly indicating hair. Although deterioration has obliterated
some of the finer detail, this figure has been elaborately decked
in a range of Half Tram Track features mounted from shoulders and
armpits and Broad Elbow Bands. The addition of heel detail to the
basic Slipper Feet appears to be a variation exclusive to larger
figures in this Group.
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Bradshaw
Period [6]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
440x260mm (17x10 ins) |
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This northern Tassel Bradshaw displays a Pole Extension from the
tip of its Acorn Headdress variation, which hangs vertically from
a finely portrayed Round Head. Accoutrements include Pendulum Cord
Armpit Decorations and miniature Triple Tassel features mounted
from the elbow bands. The Looped Cord clutched in the left hand
appears to be an artefact restricted to the north-eastern sector
of the known Bradshaw area. Positioned in close alignment above
the headdress is an oval Ceremonial Object, with four Triple
Tassel Features mounted from extremities. This may serve a similar
purpose of class or association identification as the small
marsupials positioned in similar alignments.
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Bradshaw
Period [7]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
920x470mm (36x18 ins) panel |
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Although now deteriorated in the hand area, suspected of being
later deliberate disfigurement, this pair of Tassel Bradshaws
remains a remarkable panel. At least 71 small Round Head stick
figures arranged around the lower levels of this pair apparently
forming part of this discrete panel. Decorations include long Half
Tram Track cords arching over the figures' heads, long
shoulder-mounted Willow Leaf features, and a small marsupial
aligned above the right figures headdress. While the right figure
wears a Triple Tassel mounted to either side of its waist, the
left figure appears to wear a Knee-length Skirt.
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Bradshaw
Period [8]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
600x130mm (23x5 ins) left figure
540x270mm (21x10 ins) right figure |
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This
discrete panel involves a pair of Tassel Bradshaws, each with an
upwards facing long-tailed marsupial aligned close above its
headdress. The distinctive dashed line objects with a 'Y' upper
section are occasionally shown in close association with Tassel
Bradshaws, appearing to be surviving monochrome remnants of once
bichrome artifacts. Accoutrements include Tasselled Cord Armpit
decorations, and multiple round bangles. The awkward arm alignment
shown on the left figure appears exclusive to Tassel Bradshaws.
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Bradshaw
Period [9]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
360x180mm (14x7 ins) |
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Within a major concentration of art from the Erudite Epoch, this
small discrete panel appears to depict slim versions of the Tassel
Bradshaw Figures involved in some form of group activity. Three of
the key figures hold short, straight, Batons in their hands, as if
this simple artefact may be associated with the dance or ritual
activities. The right hand section of this painting can be seen on
the next gallery image.
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Bradshaw
Period [10]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
390x300mm (15x12 ins) |
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Shown here is the right hand section of the painting from the
previous page. This larger figure has a series of Dash Line Cords
suspended from the underside of the headdress, together with a
Dashed Line Armpit Decoration.
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Bradshaw
Period [11]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
400x240mm (16x9 ins) panel |
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Arrangements of face-to-face pairs have been recorded in most
identified groups of the Erudite Epoch, often showing the two
figures as simple mirror images. The Tassel Bradshaw artist who
created this composition succeeded in incorporating an element of
elegance, as well as maximising the visual impact of these
schematised figures' limb alignments. Tapering limbs tipped with
miniaturised feet are characteristics of early Tassel Bradshaws
from the north-east region. While probably primarily depicting
some stance of ritual or dance, the additional creation of an
unforgettable work of art can by no means be considered
accidental. One figure holds an Angular Boomerang, while the other
holds an artefact formed from multiple miniature Triple Tassels.
Both figures appear to wear Thigh Length Skirts and a simple Round
Chest Band.
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Bradshaw
Period [12]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
1520x440mm (41x17 ins) |
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A solitary Tassel Bradshaw Figure with form and application
indicating the work of a very experienced artist. The figure
displays elements characteristic of early examples from this
Group, including classic Broad Egyptian Shoulders and part profile
paunch detail. Concentrations of small mud wasp nests have
unfortunately damaged detail of some of this depictions fine
paraphernalia. Accoutrements have uncommon features such as a
Tripe Tassel feature mounted vertically from Broad Fluffy Elbow
Bands and a detailed Pom Pomtip on the headdress. Some indication
of this figure's antiquity may be gained by the fact that water
seepage transported mineral has over the millennia transformed the
superimposed mud wasp nests into white, semi-petrified forms. This
motif is superimposed by basic Simple Figures with Clubs and
Shields from the Aborigine Epoch.
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Bradshaw
Period [13]
Stylised
Bradshaw Group
250x180mm (10x7ins) |
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Forms of Dot Decoration and Dotted Line Decoration in the Erudite
Epoch are most commonly observed on Tassel Bradshaws, Stylised
Bradshaws and their associated figures. There appears to be quite
distinct difference in these uses of dots, and both forms rarely
survive on the same figure. This Stylised Bradshaw is a fine
example of the Dotted Line Decoration, shown mounted from the
headdress, waist and forearms. More intact examples suggest that
these lines of dots are the surviving remnants of bichrome cords
or ribbon-like appendages, of which the less stable main cord
forms have vanished.
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Bradshaw
Period [14]
Stylised
Bradshaw Group
250x180mm (10x7ins) |
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Forms of Dot Decoration and Dotted Line Decoration in the Erudite
Epoch are most commonly observed on Tassel Bradshaws, Stylised
Bradshaws and their associated figures. There appears to be quite
distinct difference in these uses of dots, and both forms rarely
survive on the same figure. This Stylised Bradshaw is a fine
example of the Dotted Line Decoration, shown mounted from the
headdress, waist and forearms. More intact examples suggest that
these lines of dots are the surviving remnants of bichrome cords
or ribbon-like appendages, of which the less stable main cord
forms have vanished.
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Bradshaw
Period [15]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
Transitionary Figure 920x485mm (36x19ins) |
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A fine part profile example of a transitionary form, displaying
elements more often associated with the Tassel and Bradshaw
Groups. While the physical form is characteristic of the narrow
shoulder late Tassel Bradshaws, the accoutrements suggest less
schematised forms of items common to later Sash Bradshaws. These
include broad forms of the Winged Headdress Feature, Tuft
Armbands, but not in the later standardised arched alignment, and
Multiple Board Bangles (on slim Tassel Bradshaw arms). The
waistband mounted Broad Dancing Tussock, Pubic Tassel and Long
Plume to the rear are accoutrements associated in more schematised
form with later Sash Bradshaws. Positioned to the left of the
figure is an oval Ceremonial Object, with plumes mounted from it.
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Bradshaw
Period [16]
Tassel
Bradshaw Group
Transitional Figure 950x260mm (37x10ins) |
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A
profile example of a transitionary figure, with the physical form
popular with the late Tassel Bradshaw Groups. Accoutrements are
suggestive of more naturalistic version of schematised items
common to the Sash Bradshaw Group. The Broad Dancing Tussock,
Public Tassel and unusual Triple Tassel/Three Point Sash suggests
this figure post dates the classic Tassel Bradshaw era. Multiple
Broad Bangles are mounted on the earlier slim form arms, and arm
bands possibly represent early versions of the Tuft Armbands. The
tri-pointed motif to the left of the figure may represent a
variation of the Ceremonial Object, and appears to originally have
been suspended on a cord, possibly hand held.
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