to dominic

there is a death mask of ned kelly a famous bushranger (ie like an
outlaw) at the old melbourne jail (now a museum) here in melbourne,
victoria australia.

well he's famous in australia - a national icon who was hanged in the
late 19th century following a career of mayhem that culminated in a last
stand where he and his gang, wearing homemade armour, held a town
hostage but were eventually captured by police.  his story has important
elements of australian/irish nationalism, revolt against police
corruption and refusing to bow down to authority.  he is still a
divisive figure today in some ways.

there are sayings which refer to him (australians would say "game as ned
kelly" for someone daring),

one of australia's leading artists sir sidney nolan painted a series of
works of ned kelly in the landscape that represent a key vision of
australia.

a movie was made in the 60's (with mick jagger starring as ned!)

not a bad death mask story i reckon.

cheers

Maria Berry
Group Manager, Commercial
Museum Victoria

phone 03 9651 6781
fax  03 9651 6379
email [log in to unmask]

> ----------
> From:         DJF[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To:     Museum discussion list
> Sent:         Tuesday, 17 March 1998 11:55 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Famous death masks in museums.
>
> Does anyone know the location of any famous death masks?
> I'm researching the subject if you know of any or remember seeing any
> in an
> exhibit please e-mail me at [log in to unmask]
>
> thanks
>
> Dominic
>