Ellis Rowan (1848-1922)
Ellis Rowan (nee Marian Ellis Ryan) was born 30 July 1848 in Melbourne Victoria, Australia. She was an Australian artist and botanical illustrator.
In 1873 she married Captain Charles Rowan. It was he who encouraged her to paint wild flowers. Her work was exhibited in America, England and Australia.
Ellis died 4 Oct 1922 in Victoria.
During her lifetime she won several gold medals (by international judges against some of Australia’s leading male artists). But her art suffered from gender bias which lasted decades beyond her death. Her work was housed in the National Library rather than the National Gallery.
