History & Collecting Guide
Who was Martinus?
Portraits signed Martinus appear in Australian auction rooms and on the vintage art market, yet the identity behind the name remains uncertain. At The McCorry Collection, we have handled and sold several examples over the years. This short guide records what can be established while leaving room for further discoveries.
A possible period and history
Leski Auctions has catalogued two portraits signed Martinus on black velvet as mid twentieth century. This offers a useful broad period for comparable works, rather than a documented beginning or end to the artist’s career. Frames and labels may provide additional clues, although a frame can have been replaced.
One artist, a pseudonym or a studio name?
Martinus could be a personal name, a pseudonym or a name used by a studio. A shared name used by several artists is another possibility, but we have not found reliable records confirming any of these explanations. Similar subjects and signatures alone cannot establish common authorship. Nor does a portrait of an Aboriginal person establish that the artist was Indigenous or that the work was made in Australia.
Why collect these portraits?
Their expressive faces and contrast against a dark fabric ground give these portraits a distinctive decorative presence. For collectors who enjoy vintage interiors, they can offer character, nostalgia and a connection with the objects displayed in Australian homes. Their appeal can rest in the individual image, even while the maker’s story remains unresolved.
What to look for
Compare the signature, surface, reverse labels and any purchase history. Descriptions such as velvet, felt and black fabric should be checked against the actual object. Examine the image closely to establish its medium and whether it is painted or printed. Clear photographs of the front and reverse are worth keeping with the work.
Reference: Leski Auctions — catalogue example.