Famous painting recreated as coronavirus confines Aussies to homes on Anzac Day

A famous war painting has been recreated to reflect the ghosts of Diggers walking where thousands cannot be today with COVID-19 confining Anzac Day commemorations to homes nationwide.

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With Australians today only able to commemorate Anzac Day from the end of their driveways, it seems fitting for a ghostly recreation of one of post World War I’s most famous paintings.

“Menin Gate at Midnight”, painted by Ballarat born artist Captain Will Longstaff in 1927 and once shown at Buckingham Palace for King George V, honours ghosts of fallen soldiers from the Empire during the Great War.

The painting, housed at the Australian War Memorial, cannot be seen this Anzac Day with coronavirus closing out crowds at commemorations at the national institution as well as around the country.

But that does not erase the spirit of the national commemoration day.

Ghostly figures of Australian soldiers at the Australian War Memorial in a single photographic exposure to honour the 41 Diggers killed in Afghanistan and in tribute to the 1927 painting ‘Menin Gate at Midnight’ by artist Will Longstaff. Picture: Gary Ramage

Photographer Gary Ramage with the help from six Australian Defence Force members last night paid tribute to the famous image in honour of the 41 Australian soldiers who lost their lives in more recent conflict in Afghanistan.

The photograph was made with the camera on a tripod, set for a single exposure of one minute requiring the six figures to move to various positions of the AWM forecourt where tens of thousands would normally stand today.

Captain William Frederick Longstaff’s Menin Gate at Midnight painting. Picture: Australian War Memorial

“While we can’t be there in person, the ghostly Afghan Diggers’ figures can, in tribute to that famous painting and in honour of their fallen comrades and those still serving their nation,” Ramage said yesterday.

Millions of Australians mostly confined to their homes, are today expected to take a virtual part in Anzac Day commemorations.

Grainia practising for their Anzac Day driveway tribute with the medals of her parents, both of whom are serving members of the ADF. Picture: Gary Ramage

“The most important thing is that we acknowledge ANZAC DAY, and stand, pause and remember all those who served and sacrificed,” the RSL has said.

“Some people may choose to hold candles, or lay wreaths on their driveways for others, it may be a few minutes of contemplative silence.”