Hide message

Newsflash:

The Library is open on the King's Birthday public holiday, Monday 12 June 2023. View the public holiday opening hours.

Chief Derah Mat [Derrimut] of Port Philip1837

by Benjamin Duterrau

Derrimut was a leader of the Boonwurrung clan of Melbourne. In 1836 he accompanied white settler John Pascoe Fawkner on a trip to Hobart, Tasmania, where he was painted by local artist Benjamin Duterrau. Although he usually dressed in European attire, here Derrimut is depicted naked, except for a possum skin cloak around the waist, and with initiation scars on his chest and arms.

After returning to Melbourne, Derrimut lived with his people at the Mordialloc Reserve. He died at the Melbourne Benevolent Asylum in 1864, aged about 54. His headstone remains at the Melbourne General Cemetery.

View collection item
Collection Item Type: 
  • Painting
Call Number: 
DG 371
Published date: 
1837
On display: 
Exhibition Galleries
To sponsor this painting, contact the Foundation. Your generous support will enable the permanent display of these significant works by assisting with their conservation, presentation and interpretation.
Out of copyright: Creator died before 1955 Please acknowledge: : Dixson Galleries, State Library of New South Wales