Related content: Norman Lindsay artwork find Goulburn home
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 30 years ago the NSW Police Force established ‘Operation Matisse’ in an effort to find the owner of "Woman with Satyr" by Norman Lindsay artwork .
Like many of Lindsay’s works the painting is equally hypnotising and controversial illustrating a human devil-like figure looming over a young, almost receptive, half naked woman.
This orphan piece was recently attained by the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery for public display.
But one man, Taralga based Bryn Rees, says the history of the painting has unexpected ties to this District.
Research conducted by Mr Rees over the years reveals his grandfather Herb Talarico led the raid when the painting fell into the hands of the police.
Mr Talarico worked for NSW police and was the Superintendent in Goulburn during the early 1980s. Over his colourful career he was responsible for catching the notorious Darcy Dugan and the Qantas bomb hoaxer Peter Macari.
“He was well known as a tough copper and very well respected in the force,” Mr Rees said.
Owning a sheep and cattle farm in early 1970 the officer mainly lived in the police accommodation in Goulburn.
He was also an active member at the Goulburn Police Boy's Club, known now as PCYC, and led a fitness program called "Herb's Horrible Half Hour". Running three kilometres and lifting weights everyday until 70 he later helped trained the Taralga Tigers rugby team.
Mr Rees has now bought his grandfather’s property and housed is a large portrait of Herb Talarico in his police uniform.
“They tell me he was the best copper they ever met, I’m pretty proud of my grandfather. He did pretty good things.”