A morning storm passes SAN GIUSTO as she prepares to go to Timor, the Darwin locals look on

Artist Robert McRae (Australian, born 1954)

Date2000

Object number00030085

NamePainting

MediumPaper, watercolour paint

DimensionsOverall: 570 x 670 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionIn early 2000 naval artist Robert (Bob) McRae painted the Italian amphibious assault ship SAN GIUSTO in Darwin, Australia as it prepared to go to East Timor. The SAN GIUSTO and 600 Italian military personnel were present in Australian waters as part of the multinational peace campaign supporting East Timor's independence from Indonesia.HistoryThe artist Robert (Bob) McRae was granted access by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to paint and draw ship activities in the port of Darwin during late 1999-2000, as they were making preparations to go to East Timor. McRae produced a number of watercolours and oil paintings. In 1999 the vote for East Timor to move towards independence from Indonesian rule resulted in violence and intimidation by pro-integration militia. This political tension instigated the United Nations Security Council Mission to form an International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). The multinational operation titled the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) was under the central command of Australia's defence force and aimed to encourage peace and security and provide humanitarian aid to the region. The operation consisted mainly of Australian, New Zealand and United States forces but also received support from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Norway, Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand and the United Kingdom. UNAMET operations reached a conclusion on 28 February 2000. Italy made a contribution of 600 personnel including 200 paratroopers to the multinational peacekeeping force. They also provided transport aircraft and SAN GIUSTO, an amphibious transport ship equipped with hospital facilities, on board helicopters and aircraft. SAN GIUSTO was built by the Fincantiera Group and was used for transporting staff and military supplies during military, rescue and training operations.SignificanceThis painting by established Australian naval artist Robert McRae portrays the Australian port of Darwin in 2000 during the early stages of INTERFET operations in East Timor. The presence of an Italian ship demonstrates the cooperation of International forces in East Timor.