| Place | Middle East: Ottoman Empire, Turkey, Dardanelles, Gallipoli |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART02436 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Framed: 131.8 cm x 183.5 cm x 13 cm; Unframed: 101.8 cm x 153.1 cm |
| Object type | Painting |
| Physical description | oil on canvas |
| Maker |
Silas, Ellis |
| Place made | United Kingdom: England, Greater London, London |
| Date made | 1920 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Roll Call
Description
Roll call was always the most heart-breaking incident. Name after name would be called, the reply a deep silence, which would be felt despite the noise of the incessant crackling of rifles and screaming of shrapnel. This was taken the morning after the charge on Sunday night, 9 May 1915. As a signaler Ellis Silas landed on Gallipoli with the 16th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, which was committed to constant, desperate fighting. In those first weeks the battalion was reduced to two companies. Ellis Silas was moved to paint this picture by his recollections as a survivor in the melancholy muster, which followed the withdrawal of his company from the line.
Share this page
Related information
Conflicts
Subjects
Related Objects
- [Soldier leaning on rifle: two studies for 'Roll call']
- [Soldier with backpack and other studies for 'Roll call']
- [Dead soldier: study for 'Roll call']
- [Wounded soldier, rear view]
- [Seated soldier with backpack, rear view]
- [Soldier clutching his chest, and leg study; verso: rough sketches of two figures, one seated]
- [Soldier leaning back as if hit]
- [Standing soldier with backpack and rifle, rear view]
- [Seated soldier with back pack, rear view: study for 'Roll call']
- [Standing soldier with rifle: study for 'Roll call']