The painting is one of three submitted by Douglas Green for the 1947 National Gallery Travelling Scholarship; at the time, he was studying under George Bell, whose influence is clearly visible. Entrants to the scholarship were to submit a figure drawing, a half-nude, and a composition of their own design. Douglas Green's entrance painting in this latter category "Second Class" is held in the collection of Warrnambool Regional Gallery.

The judges of the prize were Daryl Lindsay, Alice Bale, Douglas Dundas and Eric Thake, who caused a stir with their choice of winner in Green. The prize was quite substantial - a 2 year overseas study trip, with a monthly allowance.

Below is the link to newspaper articles from the time, with an extract from the article in the Mercury (Hobart 22nd Dec 1947):

• National Library of Australia