swag

A swagman (also called a swaggie, sundowner or tussocker) was a transient labourer who travelled by foot from farm to farm carrying his belongings in a swag (bedroll). The term originated in Australia in the 19th century and was later used in New Zealand. Swagmen were particularly common in Australia during times of economic uncertainty, such as the 1890s and the Great Depression of the 1930s. Many unemployed men travelled the rural areas of Australia on foot, their few meagre possessions rolled up and carried in their swag. Their swag was frequently referred to as "Matilda", hence Waltzing Matilda refers to walking with their swag. Typically, they would seek work in farms and towns they travelled through, and in many cases the farmers, if no permanent work was available, would provide food and shelter in return for some menial task. The figure of the "jolly swagman", represented most famously in Banjo Paterson's bush poem "Waltzing Matilda", became a folk hero in 19th-century Australia, and is still seen today as a symbol of anti-authoritarian values that Australians considered to be part of the national character. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swagman

another that captures the Tom Roberts art style,

I'm struck by the narrow depth of field in this image, and it seems the photographer must have tilted the lens to get both the eyes and the front foot in focus. Is it known what (type of) camera was used? Was the use of lens tilt common then?

strobie42 I suspect a posed shot in front of a backdrop.

wonderful amazing portrait

Great work

Great bits of history that you share with us! All the best and enjoy the day! stefan

What a lovely photo

Very nice picture from the black and white-time !

What great old photo. Pre-rack days, I take it. Bicycling sure has come a long way. This does seem like such an earthy/basic way to go. But I bet these guys had just as much fun as we do.

Legal!!! Fotos antigas me lembram meus antepassados.