Details
Unframed
70 x 56 cm / 28 x 22 in
Framed
85 x 70 cm / 34 x 28 in
Oil on board
2025
Signed lower left
Currently Available
Description
Four months since the completion of Ross Watson's previous artwork, Roman Holiday, this eagerly awaited offering, The Return of Apollo, Versailles, is his second painting completed in 2025, and is the sixth artwork from the current Travelogue series.
Spring has arrived at the Palace of Versailles. Having spent the long winter undergoing restoration and gold gilding, an ornate sculpture of Apollo seated in his chariot surveys a sunbather below. Or is the young man in fact Watson’s Apollo, given a swimming pool has replaced the fountain of which the gilded Apollo has resided for centuries?
Wearing a half smile, the sunbather appears pleased with himself as he views the screen of his phone. Has he just viewed his photos of the gleaming Apollo hovering dramatically above, and is he conscious of the most important, complex and beautiful of Greek Gods, who afforded help and warded off evil?
Watson's internationally recognised blend of classical, homoerotic and contemporary themes, rendered in meticulous detail, is evident in this captivating artwork.
A superb French circa:1850 Louis Phillipe water gilt ripple frame, in excellent condition with applied corners of flowers and pomegranates, completes this important and spectacular new painting.
Available for immediate release
Price is inclusive of complimentary global shipping and insurance.
Collector Testimonials
"I have been a proud collector of Ross' paintings for many years. His art is astounding in its beauty, emotion, and reverence for our humanity and the world we live in. His attention to the smallest details, and use of light, dark and colour, rivals art's greatest masters."
James J. O'Donnell, Patron, art collector, NYC
"We are loving our new acquisition and we know that 'Nathan, view to Florence' will bring us endless years of joy. Thanks for sharing your talent. We love your work so keep it up!"
Paul Zahra and Duncan Peerman, Sydney
"As avid art collectors we are very proud to have Ross' stunningly handsome work in our collection. His art brings us great joy and we love to share his work with our friends and visitors. We were absolutely thrilled to recently add 'Two Soldiers' to our collection."
Christopher Cosier & Chris Webber, Sydney
"I purchased the original painting 10 years ago at your gallery during Mardi Gras and it has given me enormous pleasure ever since. I remember standing in the gallery for a couple of hours wondering if I should buy it. I have never regretted that decision."
Jon Anderson and Lance Johnson, Palm Springs
"Your art hanging around our home provides us with such pleasure, and we can’t wait for A-Bay to join the Ross Watson family."
Haydon Elliot and Greg Moses, Melbourne
Purchasing Originals
Join collectors and art museums such as the National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, Sir Elton John and J.D Wolfenson (former president of the World Bank) in collecting a timeless original oil painting.
We guarantee the provenance and excellent condition of paintings offered for sale by the Ross Watson Gallery.
The listed painting price is inclusive of custom hand made framing.
Painting prices on our website are inclusive of fully insured freight to anywhere in the world.
Paintings may be reserved for 48 hours, obligation free. This provides you with first right of refusal should another collector wish to purchase the painting while you make a decision.
Contact us to reserve your painting.
Timed Payment Plans
Paintings may be purchased on a TIMED PAYMENT PLAN.
Purchase the painting of your choice now with a 20% deposit and monthly installments by credit card over an agreed time period, usually 6-10 months.
For new collectors the painting is released upon receipt of final payment.
Contact us today to secure your first choice of painting.
Delivery Information
FREE worldwide packaging, freight and insurance is included in the purchase price of your painting.
Our gallery will be in contact within 12 hours of the completion of your purchase to arrange all of your delivery details. This is a bespoke service allowing us to accommodate all of your requirements.
Paintings are packaged in a custom-made, reinforced ply-wood crate made by Rebul. These are used by museums and galleries around the world for all of their transport needs. Each individual painting crate is fully reusable and recyclable.
DHL is our preferred international shipping company. Australian domestic deliveries are completed by a specialized art transport company. Complementary insurance is included at the declared value of the painting being shipped.
