William Dobell ( 1899 - 1970 ) was an Australian painter. William Dobell s works have been put up for auction numerous times, with realized prices surpassing estimated prices, varying from 17153 USD for Old Joe (Julian Ashton School portrait) in 2002 to 980180.18 USD for OPERA HOUSE, SYDNEY HARBOUR in 2007 , based on the size and medium of the artwork.