Write a brief description of this painting of Ned Kelly. What do you think it is saying about Ned Kelly’s status in the 20th Century?
“First-class Marksman” by Sidney Nolan (1946) https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/62.2010/
Sidney Nolan’s painting, “First-class Marksman” (1946) comprised of Ripolin enamel on hardboard, depicts the infamous outlaw, Ned Kelly, drawing his weapon upon the natural elements within the Australian landscape as he is clothed in solid, black armour. The juxtaposition of Ned Kelly in an almost cartoon like image and the Australian landscape presents as a deliberate artistic expression made by Nolan. The luminous sky acts as a backdrop for the land which appears arid yet features plants and hills that stand up majestically. Two different worlds collide.
The title of the artwork refers to an occurrence in Victoria’s Wombat Ranges, when Kelly and the rest of his gang practiced their shooting. Thus, I believe it presents as a brutal collision of a man characterised by his reputation of violence and the peaceful Australian scenery which acts as the target onto which his bullets are aimed. His eyes though, are fixated upon a particular target which in the painting appears as a red dot. This may reflect a sense of paranoia as he is an outlaw on the run from the police, weapon drawn and ready to act.
I believe Nolan’s painting does not only show one viewpoint but how Ned Kelly’s status in the 20th Century has divided the nation. Some viewed him as a ‘hero’, an ‘Australian Legend’, portraying ‘Australian’ qualities of independence and loyalty through his fight against those who were corrupt. Others, in particular the police and authoritative figures higher up, viewed him as a ‘criminal’ and ‘murderer’ due to the crimes he had committed. As everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I believe that a divided perception of Ned Kelly will always remain but artists will continue to provide their perception through art.
Holly’s Blog 
This is a fabulous blog Holly with a beautifully balanced interpretation of the possible meanings of Ned Kelly as represented by Nolan. I love your attention to the colour contrasts as a way of interpreting this richness of meaning. Well done!
Editing Needed (and some workshop follow-ups- see Purdue Owl for help: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/
* acts as the target in which his bullets are aimed at. =acts as the target ONTO which his bullets are aimed. [ ]
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A profound, analytical interpretation of Nolan’s romanticised ideation pertaining to Ned Kelly. Your acknowledgment of the various perspectives that artists and institutions held about Ned Kelly as either a hero or a criminal appropriately contextualised your description. I found “a brutal collision of a man characterised by his reputation of violence and the peaceful Australian scenery” to be a particularly effective way of communicating the contrast that exists between the beauty of Australia and the obscurity of the Ned Kelly legend. The way you describe Nolan’s portrayal of Ned Kelly as a “cartoon-like image” is also clever, as I’m lead to imagine there’s a whimsical and childlike element to this artwork, embodying the idealistic notion of Ned Kelly as the ‘Australian Legend’, embedded throughout our Australian identity. An articulate, succinct description of “Frist-class Marksman” – interesting and informative blog, Holly!
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Great choice for your best blog Holly! Well done.
MG
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