Norman Lindsay: Eros and Obscenity

Sex is not only the basis of life, it is the reason for life.
—Norman Lindsay

I hadn’t intended to write anything at all about Norman Lindsay. I hardly knew of his work. I read somewhere that besides being prolific, he had also been a highly talented boxer. I had seen a couple of short video interviews with him that were endearing. He seemed like a happy-go-lucky old guy from another era—a little naughty for his age, with a twinkle in his eye. He played to the camera a little. A brilliant smile. I was won over. I googled his paintings.

I discovered Lindsay’s etchings were unique in the history of Australian art, the result of a partnership with his wife, Rose Soady, who was a master printmaker. Their collaboration (from 1918 to 1938) resulted in 200 published works. I found a very sexy photograph of the two of them together when they were young, Rose posing next to him in her underwear, frilly bloomers and long black nylons. Lindsay is wearing a three-piece suit and has a…