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When Sidney Nolan embarked on the creation of his Ned Kelly series, he sought more than just a visual narrative. His quest was to capture what he called an 'authentic national vision,' a unique portrayal of the legendary figure's exploits. Spanning 27 paintings from 1946-1947, this series unfolds like a captivating storyboard, with each canvas contributing to the vivid depiction of Ned Kelly's saga. One canvas that particularly stands out in this collection is 'Death of Constable Scanlon.'
Nolan's choice of medium, Ripolin enamel on hardboard, adds a distinctive texture to his series.
Each stroke plays a role in creating a captivating visual impact. Notably, some elements like Ned Kelly and the constable's clothing emerge with a solid and unwavering presence against the backdrop of the Australian bush land.
The canvas is a bustling scene, devoid of buildings but alive with trees, shrubs, and a barren yellow ground. 'Death of Constable Scanlon' captures a pivotal moment, with the constable and his horse seemingly suspended mid-air, while Ned Kelly stands to the left, rifle in hand, emitting a plume of smoke.
An intentional play with proportions is evident, especially in the placement of the constable.
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Examining the two rifles within the composition suggests the constable should loom larger due to his foreground positioning. However, Nolan deliberately distorts this, thrusting Ned Kelly into prominence as the largest object.
The figures themselves take on an unusual, almost 2D quality, reminiscent of paper cutouts.
Ned is rendered as a simple, black silhouette with closed eyes, gripping the rifle. In contrast, background elements like trees exhibit more nuanced shapes and cast shadows, adding dynamism to the overall composition.
Nolan's color palette adds another layer to the narrative. Rich browns, yellows, and oranges dominate, creating a warm and earthy ambiance. A striking patch of blue sky in the top right corner introduces an unexpected contrast, deviating from the prevailing dark, almost sunset-like sky.
The constable, clad in his formal uniform, appears conspicuously out of place against the natural hues of the Australian bush. This deliberate incongruity reinforces Nolan's artistic choice to portray Ned Kelly not merely as a historical figure but as a seamlessly integrated component of the rugged landscape.
'Death of Constable Scanlon' places the dramatic depiction of the constable's fatal descent at its core. Yet, Nolan's broader intention is to keep Kelly at the forefront, overshadowing individual events and characters throughout the Ned Kelly series. A flat composition guides the viewer from the falling constable in the foreground to smaller, intricately detailed background elements, orchestrating a visual journey.
Describing the mood of 'Death of Constable Scanlon' proves challenging due to its paradoxical nature. Despite capturing the final moments of Constable Scanlon's life, the painting exudes an almost comical quality. This paradox prompts contemplation, challenging conventional expectations of how historical trauma should be visually portrayed.
Sidney Nolan, reflecting on this specific painting, expressed, "In a sudden, violent accident time seems to stand still. I have exaggerated, but that at the levitated horse and constable increase the unreality of violent events. Kelly seems to be present only as a force of destiny."
Nolan's words shed light on his overarching goal—to capture the essence of a moment frozen in Australian history. The legend of Ned Kelly, and by extension, his gang, becomes a conduit for Nolan to 'depict a national myth' rather than a literal retelling. In portraying Kelly as a legend, Nolan transcends the mere representation of the man, elevating him to the status of a symbolic force.
The enduring legacy of the Ned Kelly series finds its home in the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. Beyond being a testament to Nolan's artistic prowess, these paintings exemplify the transition from Expressionism to emerging Modernism. Categorized under Expressivism, Nolan's interpretation of the Ned Kelly legend becomes a personalized, artistic rendition that encapsulates the spirit of a nation.
Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly: Artistic Vision and National Myth. (2016, Jul 21). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/death-of-constable-scanlon-sidney-nolan-essay
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