Tom Roberts (1856–1931) was a foundational figure in Australian art and a leading force behind the development of a national visual identity. Born in Dorchester, England, he emigrated to Australia as a teenager and trained in Melbourne before continuing his studies in Europe. Exposure to modern painting practices, particularly plein-air methods, shaped his belief that art should reflect contemporary life and local experience. Returning to Australia in the 1880s, Roberts became a central figure of the Heidelberg School, advocating painting directly from nature and focusing on distinctly Australian subjects. Beyond his artistic practice, he was an energetic organizer, teacher, and spokesman for artistic reform. His career encompassed portraiture, public commissions, and service as an official war artist during World War I. Although he spent several years working in England, Roberts ultimately returned to Australia, where his influence was increasingly recognized. His legacy rests on his role in helping Australian art move beyond European imitation toward a confident expression of national character.