Coming South

"Coming South" is a riveting painting by the renowned Australian artist Tom Roberts, completed in 1886. It vividly depicts the journey of migrants traveling from Europe to Australia aboard a steamship. Roberts drew inspiration for this work during his own voyage back to Australia on the SS Lusitania in 1885, following a four-year stay in Europe.

Historian Humphrey McQueen considers "Coming South" to be among Roberts' seven most celebrated works. The National Gallery of Victoria underscores the painting as a significant portrayal of the migrant experience, marking Roberts' first in-depth exploration of an essential theme in Australian life. The gallery proudly acquired this pivotal piece in 1967.