Isaac Michael Cohen (1884–1951): A Portraitist of Place and Memory Isaac Michael Cohen (1884–1951) was an Australian portrait painter who established himself as a significant figure in the artistic landscape of his era, particularly within Ballarat and London. Born in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia—a town renowned for its gold rush heritage—Cohen’s formative years instilled in him a deep connection to the rugged beauty of the Victorian bushland, which would profoundly influence his artistic vision throughout his career. His formal training commenced at Ballarat Technical School before progres…