Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS annotation by Shillinglaw: 'Recd 15.VI.96'.

Sunday, 14/6/96

Am much touched with your kind letter received yesterday,

2

Letter not found.

dear Mr Shillinglaw, and I fully recognize the generous sentiments, evinced by yourself and by mutual friends of ours towards me. But I have repeatedly expressed my views to some of those "near and dear" to me, that public tributes, such as you so feelingly intend also for me, should only be bestowed after the recipient had passed away. Then I have further desired from the few with whom, as otherwise alone in the world, I am in confidence, that any token, which are also bodily to preserve the memory of myself, should not be a bust , but a half size painting.

3

Table talk (Melbourne), 10 October 1890, reported that 'There is some talk of presenting a portrait of the Baron Von Mueller to the Victorian National Gallery, in commemoration of the services he has rendered to Victoria. As yet, however, matters have not progressed beyond the preliminary stage, but it is understood a meeting is to be called at an early date for the purpose of inviting the cooperation and assistance of gentlemen interested in scientific research. This is only as it should be, for if any man has merited the distinction of having his portrait hung in the National Gallery, it is Baron Von Mueller, who, for thirty-four years, has continued his scientific work for the good of this Colony with unabated enthusiasm.' No evidence that a portrait was commissioned has been found.

This view I have ever held , because of the lifeless appearance of marble- or bronze-busts or statues, on account of the want of visual expression, and I further suggested that any oil painting of which I possibly may be deemed worthy in a public place should be kept under Glass. My views clash with ancient aesthetics and time honored traditions and customs, and as it must be painful to anyone to foresee what was done should only come into use after his death, it will be best to leave all your friendly intentions for the present. If it is still then be preferred that a bust should be prepared, then the cast for it or the other necessary measure could be taken in my last illness and be sent to the Artist, whom also I highly admire.

4

August Saupé prepared a death mask and advertised copies for sale, and was 'modelling a life-size bust and medallion, copies of which will also be for sale' (Botanical gazette, 23 (1897), p. 227). The medallion, in plaster of Paris, was subsequently being offered for £2.2.-. (in white) or £3.7.6 (bronzed and washable), with mounted photographs of the medallion also available for one shilling each (A. Saupé to J. Hector, 20 October 1899; MU 95, box 12 (101/99), Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington. In 1900 the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, Queensland Branch, reported it had acquired 'a very fine life-sized bronzed medallion of the late Baron sir Frederick (sic) Von Mueller. K.C.M.G. … The work of art had been executed by August Saupe … [who] … had succeeded in reproducing a very striking and faithful likeness' (Queensland g eographical j ournal, new series, 15 (1899-1900), p. 124). The image is also used in the copper medallion inserted in the obelisk on M's grave (Monument Australia, Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller, https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/science/display/33520-baron-ferdinand-von-mueller ), accessed 24 August, 2025).

As regards a place for such a monument I have asked long ago confidential friends, who promised to what little requires to be done, for one, who has no worldly property whatever left, that any portrait shoud be put either in a place at the University, as I was there through many years an honorary examiner for the degree of M.D., or that the portrait should find a location in the "Turn-Verein" where English and German members have largely and so happily met during the last 30 years. On the public Library I have no claims; my regretable cessation from the bot Garden lessened my opportunities so much, to work for the technologic Museum, that any special remembrance of myself there , would be inconsonant with real claims and this view I have as a special wish expressed years ago and ought to prevail. It is very different with our never to be forgotten sterling Newbery, and it will also be quite different with Sir Fred McCoy and Colonel Ellery in what I trust will be a distant time to honor their special work by a bust.