Man on Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar brings Arthur Boyd’s iconic work into dialogue with a significant new commission by leading Australian contemporary artist Shaun Gladwell. 

Produced largely in the UK during the 1960s, Arthur Boyd’s renowned series depicts the biblical story of King Nebuchadnezzar, who, exiled by God for the sin of pride, is condemned to live as an animal in the wilderness for seven years. 

Boyd’s treatment of the myth is deeply personal, driven by his firm pacifism and informed by the turbulence of the Vietnam War era. The works become a meditation on unchecked ego and pride, and the fragility of the human condition.   

Bringing together these two leading Australian artists across generations, Man on Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar explores an ancient story of hubris and undoing. Illuminating the enduring questions of power, exile and human frailty, the meeting of Boyd and Gladwell ignites new considerations of masculinity, psychological reckoning and renewal. 

Learn more about the exhibition

Designed exclusively for the exhibition, these cards feature 6 individual Arthur Boyd artworks; 

Card 1  

Arthur Boyd, White Nebuchadnezzar and yellow lion on beach (detail), 1968–69

oil on canvas 

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra 

The Arthur Boyd Gift 1975. © National Gallery of Australia 

Card 2 

Arthur Boyd ,White Nebuchadnezzar (blind) and white dog on a starry night (detail), 1968–69

oil on canvas 

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra 

The Arthur Boyd Gift 1975. © National Gallery of Australia 

Card 3 

Arthur Boyd , Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the tree (detail) 1969

oil on canvas 

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.

The Arthur Boyd Gift 1975. © National Gallery of Australia

Card 4 

Arthur Boyd, Nebuchadnezzar making a cloud (detail), 1972–1974

wool tapestry

Bundanon Collection

Card 5 

Arthur Boyd, Nebuchadnezzar with blue flowers and white dog (detail), 1968–1969 

oil on canvas 

Bundanon Collection 

Card 6 

Arthur Boyd, Nebuchadnezzar in a clearing (detail), 1968–1969 

oil on canvas

Bundanon Collection

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Set includes 6 gift cards (blank inside) with white envelopes. 

Individual cards: 15 x 15cm 

White envelope: 16 x 16cm 

Printed on 350gsm knight vellum card stock

Matte finish