The Faerie Queene

Rupert Bunny, Australia/France 1864–1947 / Una and the fauns (detail) c.1890 / Oil on canvas / 127.6 x 165.8 cm / Gift of Sidney Jones through the Queensland Art Fund 1931 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art

Rupert Bunny, Australia/France 1864–1947 / Una and the fauns (detail) c.1890 / Oil on canvas / 127.6 x 165.8 cm / Gift of Sidney Jones through the Queensland Art Fund 1931 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / View full image

Una and the fauns c.1890 (illustrated) by Australian artist Rupert Bunny (29 September 1864–1947) was inspired by Edmund Spencer’s epic poem and fantastical allegory The Faerie Queene, which celebrated Queen Elizabeth I (1533–1603) and was originally published in 1590. In Canto VI, Una is wandering through the forest when she stumbles upon a troupe of fauns who become enamoured by her beauty, they then begin to worship her as if she is a deity.

Rupert Bunny, Australia/France 1864–1947 / Una and the fauns c.1890 / Oil on canvas / 127.6 x 165.8 cm / Gift of Sidney Jones through the Queensland Art Fund 1931 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art

Rupert Bunny, Australia/France 1864–1947 / Una and the fauns c.1890 / Oil on canvas / 127.6 x 165.8 cm / Gift of Sidney Jones through the Queensland Art Fund 1931 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / View full image

Bunny initially studied in Melbourne at the National Gallery School, in 1884 he moved to London then two years later he left for Paris to study until 1888. Una and the fauns was exhibited at Royal Academy, London in 1890, and in 1894 with accompanying quote from the poem: ‘Her gentle wit she plyes to teach them truth, which worshipped her in vaine’.

His early works, before the turn of the century, were large, idealised subject compositions, especially classical mythology and religious references, however at the beginning of the twentieth century with growing critical and financial success, the artist began exploring modernity. Bunny would become one of the most successful expatriate artists of his generation.

Delve deeper into the QAGOMA Collection

Rupert Bunny, Australia/France 1864–1947 / Bathers 1906 / Oil on canvas / 229.2 x 250cm / Purchased 1988 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art

Rupert Bunny, Australia/France 1864–1947 / Bathers 1906 / Oil on canvas / 229.2 x 250cm / Purchased 1988 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / View full image

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