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The medical examination | |||
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From 1941, Drysdale was occupied with the subject of Australia at war; The medical examination is his first painting to explore this theme. Although the event was common enough - every civilian was required to pass a health inspection before enlisting - The medical examination is an unusual and possibly unique image of the war experience in Australian art. The subject would have had deep significance to Drysdale who had been rejected from military service because of defective eyesight. Drysdale found this rejection traumatic, especially since his closest friend Peter Purves Smith was serving with the British Army. Drysdale's characteristic elongated figures are employed to great effect as they stand in a row, the foreground naked figure with arms outstretched - as on a crucifix - being particularly powerful. The juxtaposition of men in waistcoats, ties and white shirts with naked and half-naked men, makes a dramatic contrast. | ||||||
© 1999 ABC and NGV