Private Kenna winning the V.C.

Accession Number ART26188
Collection type Art
Measurement framed: 53.8 x 58.4 cm; unframed: 51.5 x 56 cm
Object type Painting
Physical description oil on canvas
Maker Rowed, Reg
Place made Australia: Victoria, Melbourne
Date made 1945
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

Unfinished oil painting of the action that resulted in Private Edward (Ted) Kenna receiving the Victoria Cross. On 15 May 1945, Kenna was involved in an action near Wewak, New Guinea, during which he exposed himself to heavy fire, killing a Japanese machine gun crew and making it possible for his company's attack to succeed.

In this painting two Japanese soldiers are depicted in the foreground, stationed at a machine gun post and directing their fire towards an indistinct figure in the background, his presence indicated by the preliminary outline of his body. The heavily distorted figures and generous and textured application of paint make the image highly expressive despite its unfinished state. The swirling and rapid brushwork also projects a sense of urgency and terror which is heightened by the murky palette, suggestive of the difficult terrain and humid and oppressive climate of the Wewak area.

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