Images(2)

Flinders's Queen Checkmate

Designer Elizabeth Gertsakis (born 1954)

Manufacturer Ted Anderson

Artist Lisa Murphy (Calligrapher)

Artist Sonora Potter (Pyrographer)

Date2002

Object number00039819

DCMITypeStill image

NameSculpture

MediumWood

DimensionsOverall: 290 x 100 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionWooden replica of the Queen chess piece from Flinders' chess set part by Elizabeth Gertsakis. This piece is part of a series titled the "Lost Letters of Ann Flinders" created for the 'Encounter 2002' commemorations celebrating Matthew Flinders charting of Australia. This is a replica of the Queen chess piece from Flinders' chess set and is inscribed with letters his wife Ann wrote to him during his absence. Playing chess was one of the few joys he found during imprisonment on Mauritius. Made by Ted Anderson, calligraphy by Lisa Murphy and with pyrography by Sonora Potter.HistoryThe pieces by Elizabeth Gertsakis interpret Flinders' long distance relationship with his wife, Ann, drawing on excerpts from letters the two wrote. But while Ann kept the love letters Matthew wrote to her during his nine year absence, all her letters to him have been lost. To articulate Ann's feelings about the marriage, Gertsakis instead turned to letters Ann wrote to friends and relatives after Matthew's early death, less than four years after his return home to England. This modern interpretation of Matthew and Ann's relationship is a marked contrast to other Flinders - related material which is primarily the traditional genre of published works and engravings. Gertsakis shows in an artistic way the incredible angst they went through and the undying love they felt for each other despite years of separation. The two had been married only a few months when Matthew received orders to sail for Australia in 1801. Matthew had intended to take Ann to New South Wales with him but he neglected to seek permission from the Lords of the Admiralty. When they found out Matthew was given an ultimatum - Ann or the Navy. The latter won. What was supposed to be three years apart turned into an eternity when he was imprisoned on Mauritius on the return voyage - which they endured by writing copious letters to each other. Ann outlived Matthew by 38 years.SignificanceElizabeth Gertsakis's work is a modern interpretation of the love between Matthew and Ann Flinders who were separated for nine years of their 13 year marriage. The relevance of the chess piece relates to Flinders's imprisonment on Isle de France (Mauritius) and his playing of chess to keep his mind busy and active.