Dame Nellie Melba, was the renowned Australian opera singer (1861 - 1931) and became one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian Era and the early 20th century due to the purity of her lyrical voice and the brilliance of her technique. Taking her stage name from Melbourne, Melba was the first Australian to achieve international recognition as a classical musician.
By all accounts, she was quite some lady known for her whit and antics. One famous legend is when she asked her neighbour, Seppelt winemaker, Hans Irvine if she could bath in champagne. Mr. Irvine indulged Dame Melba’s desire and 152 bottles were poured for this sophisticated request. After the bath, 153 bottles came out and they created one as commemoration for the event.
This playful depiction by Melbourne artist, Mark Schaller, celebrates the diva’s wish with the use of golden brushstrokes and whimsical colours. It is equally impressive in its size, 2.6 metres by 2 m and price, a snip at S$30,000 and is currently on display at the Australian High Commission in Singapore.
