‘Completely unique’: two early Sidney Nolan paintings to go up for sale for first time in almost 75 years

Canvases going to auction were part of Nolan’s breakthrough exhibition in 1949, described as a ‘pivotal moment’ in Australian art

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Two works by Sidney Nolan that haven’t changed hands since they were painted more than 70 years ago – including one believed to be the first he ever sold commercially and a Christmas gift to his wife – are heading to auction this month. In Town and Desert Bird were both painted in late 1948, just before the Australian artist hit the big time in March 1949, when he exhibited a series of paintings inspired by his travels through outback Queensland to acclaim at David Jones Gallery in Sydney. Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...