Born on the island of Langu-Narnji near Mornington Island around 1920, Roughsey, who signed his paintings by his tribal name Goobalathaldin, was an Aboriginal raised in the traditional ways of his people. A primitive artist, he painted scenes of north Queensland and illustrated several children's books of Aboriginal legends. In 1972 he was appointed Special Aboriginal Consultant to the Council of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies and later chairman of the Aboriginal Arts Board.
The earliest auction listing we have for Dick (Goobalatheldin) Roughsey is in 1974 and in total 265 works by the artist have been offered for sale, of which 204 (77%) were sold. The highest price recorded for the artist is $16,800 for Goorialla - The Rainbow Serpent-set of Sixteen Works 1975 sold by Lawson~Menzies (now trading as Menzies) in May 2006. This year 2 works have been offered for sale. Works by Dick (Goobalatheldin) Roughsey are held by the Queensland Art Gallery, National Gallery of Victoria and a further three major public national galleries (see list below).
Dick Roughsey is listed in the following standard biographical references:
Could the second and subsequent works by this artist sold after June 9, 2010 for over $1,000 be liable for the Artists' Resale Royalty? More info…
Yes, eligible, subject to the artist satisfying the residency test. The artist is alive or has been deceased for less than 70 years. Contact the Copyright Agency for information on the residency test.
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