Evolution in Art as illustrated by the Life-Histories of Designs
London, Walter Scott Limited, 1895.
Octavo, 364 pages with 130 figures in the text and 8 pages of plates.
Cloth a little used; acidic endpapers discoloured, affecting the first and last pages; a decent copy (internally excellent).
One of the Contemporary Science Series. Alfred Cort Haddon (1855-1940) first went to the Torres Strait in 1888, where he performed the pioneering anthropological work which informs this book. The first portion is 'The Decorative Art of British New Guinea, as an Example of the Method of Study' (pages 11-73), and there is a section on Australian art, specifically relating to designs and totemism (pages 255-263). Provenance: Henri van Raalte (1881-1929), a pioneer of Australian etching, with his ownership signature. Van Raalte was born in England, and emigrated to Western Australia in 1910. In 1922 he went to Adelaide to become the curator at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Van Raalte has inscribed the book as being 'from A.K.[?] 17.10.24', presumably in Perth (on the pastedown there is the paper label of The Book Lovers' Library, Book and Gift Shop, 621 Hay St, Perth). In January 1926, Van Raalte resigned from the gallery after having problems with some members of the board. He issued a press statement calling the board 'a company of ignoramuses', and two months later, the chairman, Sir William Sowden also resigned. He retired with his wife, three sons and his etching press to a rented cottage at Second Valley, on the coast, where he produced some of his finest work. However, alcohol became his demon, and his melancholy was exacerbated by financial stress. In November 1929, he shot himself in the head' ('Australian Dictionary of Biography').
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