Shearing the Rams (Australian Art) (Tom Roberts) Lumbar Cushion

This design features a painting by the English-born Australian artist Tom Roberts (1856–1931), who was a key member of the Heidelberg School art movement, also known as Australian impressionism. It shows sheep shearers plying their trade in a timber shearing shed. The painting can be seen as a celebration of rural life and work. It also recognises the role that the wool industry played in the development of the nation of Australia. The men and boys are working in harmony together, taking pride in their strength and mastery of their craft: there is a dignity in manual labour. The original painting was completed in 1890, and it is now housed in the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.