Description:

George Milpurrurru
(1934 - 1988)
Goose Hunting Story, 1996
natural earth pigments on canvas
Goose Hunting Story depicts the seasonal harvesting of magpie goose eggs in the Arafura Swamp, a central narrative in Ganalbingu life. The artist renders the vertical reed beds with exacting geometric clarity, each panel animated with dotted clusters and ochred forms that evoke the nesting sites. Canoes, spears, and human figures anchor the scene in lived practice, while the repetition of forms creates a hypnotic, almost architectural rhythm.

The subject belongs to Milpurrurru's broader engagement with the cosmology of the Ganalbingu, whose clan identity is intimately tied to the goose. The painting resonates with the yearly ceremonial cycle: the songs, dances, and rituals that mark the egg-gathering season, connecting ancestral myth with ecological survival.

  • Provenance: Framed Darwin, Anne Phelan (Director), Cat No. 4702EAB
  • Dimensions: 185 x 212 cm
  • Medium: natural earth pigments on canvas
  • Condition: Buyers Please Note


    This auction is conducted in conjunction with Newstead Art Auctions.
    Theodore Bruce will manage online bidding, registrations, invoicing, and payments, while Newstead Art will handle all onsite logistics, including viewings, collections, and shipping.


    Viewing:

    Onsite viewings will take place in Albany, New York, USA, between 23 and 30 October 2025.
    For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact Adrian Newstead at [email protected].


    Payment & Collection:

    All purchases must be paid within two (2) days of the auction.
    Shipping or collection arrangements must be finalised by 8 November 2025.
    To ensure timely processing, we recommend using the Theodore Bruce 3D Secure online payment system.


    Location of Lots:


    All lots are located in Albany, New York, USA. A representative and a recommended carrier will be available onsite until 8 November 2025. All lots must be collected by this date.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

All Lots Are Located In Albany, New York, USA, we have a representative onsite and a recommended carrier available until 8 November, 2025. All Lots MUST collected by that date.

Purchases must be paid for within two days of auction and shipping/collection arrangements need to be finalised no later than 8 November 2025. In order to facilitate this timeframe we recommend using our 3D Secure online payment system.

31 October 2025 09:00 AEDT
Stanmore, Australia

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
A$0 A$999 A$50
A$1,000 A$1,999 A$100
A$2,000 A$4,999 A$200
A$5,000 A$9,999 A$500
A$10,000 A$19,999 A$1,000
A$20,000 A$49,999 A$2,000
A$50,000 A$99,999 A$5,000
A$100,000 A$199,999 A$10,000
A$200,000 A$499,999 A$20,000
A$500,000 A$999,999 A$50,000
A$1,000,000 + A$100,000