'Ellis Rowan - painter, naturalist, writer and explorer - was an extraordinary woman for her era. Petite, plucky and always dressed immaculately, for almost 50 years she travelled to the remote parts of Australia, India, Europe, America and New Guinea in pursuit of exotic flowers and wildlife to paint. Over 3000 works testify to her prodigious output...which was internationally acclaimed and collected by royalty. For all her accolades, however, Rowan's reputation was contentious, even after her death. It is hoped that [this publication and associated exhibition] will help establish her rightful place in Australian art.' (Source: back cover)
