Ernest Moffitt facts for kids
Ernest Edward Moffitt (born September 15, 1871 – died March 23, 1899) was a talented Australian artist. He was known for his beautiful pen drawings and his friendships with other artists of his time. Sadly, he passed away at a very young age.
Early Life and Education
Ernest Moffitt was born in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. His father, John Thomas Lowry Moffitt, was a draper, and his mother was Mary Emily Rogers. Ernest went to school at All Saints in St. Kilda, Melbourne.
When a famous musician named Marshall Hall opened a music school, called a conservatorium, at the University of Melbourne, Ernest Moffitt was the very first student to sign up! Later, Ernest even became the secretary for the conservatorium. For a short time, he also studied art at the national gallery school in Melbourne.
Artistic Journey
Ernest Moffitt became good friends with a group of younger artists, including Lionel and Norman Lindsay. He tried his hand at painting and etching, but he was most famous for his amazing pen drawings.
Some of his best-known drawings include "The Old Well," "Zeehan Wharf," and "A Summer's Day." These were later shown in a book about his art. Ernest also created three special drawings for Marshall Hall's musical piece called Hymn to Sydney.
Legacy and Interests
Ernest Moffitt died in 1899 when he was only 27 years old. He was buried in St Kilda Cemetery.
Besides art, Ernest had many interesting hobbies. He loved collecting old English pottery, beautifully bound books, carved pipes, and Japanese furniture. After his death, Marshall Hall helped pay for a book about Ernest Moffitt, written by his friend Lionel Lindsay. This book recognized Ernest as a "fine artist" and spoke of the great promise he showed before his early passing.
Images for kids
-
Frontispiece by Moffitt of Marshall Hall's "Hymn to Sydney", dedicated to Arthur Streeton and the Artists' Camps
