Robbed

'Robbed' was created at a key point of excitement in Nolan's early career. Dating from the artist's important 1946–47 Ned Kelly series, it is one of several paintings that were edited out of the final core of works chosen to represent the narrative, for the sake of conciseness. Painted when a more lyrical mood had evolved in the series, 'Robbed' is bathed in a soft light, evoking a dreamlike quality – portent perhaps of impending violence. The naked figures may be interpreted as humiliated police, stripped of their uniforms and their horses stolen – possibly the two that the Kelly gang ambushed at Jerilderie. Alternatively, it may be loosely based on earlier incidents in Kelly's career and intended for the beginning of the series, to portray the germination of his notoriety.