The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929)(about) |
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Tuesday 2 February 1926
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TALENTED AUSTRALIAN SCULPTOR.
Dora Ohlfsen's Success in Rome.
There are successes and successes. For a woman sculptor to achieve fame in Italy is certainly the supreme test of genius. Miss Dora Ohlfsen has experienced a double joy in her work, because in at- taining distinction in Rome she has also
brought credit to her native land, Aus- tralia. Some years ago Miss Ohlfsen adopted Rome as her permanent home, for she was given important commissions to execute in marble. Royalty and many
leading public men have come within the magic of her handiwork, and she is still overwhelmed with commissions. Italy recognises the power of her art, and its inspirational message. It has been said of her figures that they seem to "live," so unerringly has she stamped them with individuality and charm. At present Miss Ohlfsen is engaged upon some important busts, and recently wrote to a friend saying how busy she had been. But her thoughts were often of Australia. One does not doubt this, for among her most notable creations there stands out a labour of love—her homage—in marble—of the Australian soldier, "Anzac —In Eternal Remembrance," will never be forgotten, for it typified the nobility of Australia's defenders, and the brood- ing tenderness of motherhood over her suffering sons. A beautiful medal was struck in 1916, and each of the surfaces of the coin were devoted to the above themes. So, though "our own" Dora Ohlfsen may continue to win praise in art circles, she never will eclipse that prac- tical dedication of her powers to some of the greatest heroes in history. As the name signifies, the sculptress is of Polish and Norwegian ancestry, and can trace a long, line of gifted forbears. She is as great in the sister art of music as she is in sculpting, but over-practising neces- sitated abandoning the piano for the brush and chisel. A world traveller, Miss Ohlfsen is a born linguist, and very deeply read. Yet yhis cultured gentle- woman has never lost her simple out- look upon life, and is happier entertain- ing friends at her studio than in attend- ing elaborate State functions, to which she is often bidden.
'MISS DORA OHLFSSEX.:'
'MISS DORA OHLFSSEX.:'