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, Irish, 1827-1900
Title
Cast of Death Mask of John Mitchel (1815-1875), Agitator and Author of 'Jail Journey'
Date1875
MediumPlaster
Credit LinePurchased, 1907
Object numberNGI.8133
Label TextMitchel, a journalist and nationalist, was a divisive figure, garnering praise for his patriotism and revolutionary writings, while simultaneously alienating many moderate nationalists with his militancy and pro-slavery views. In 1843, he began writing for The Nation, but within four years, his increasingly extreme articles, calling for social revolution, were being censored and he resigned. In 1848 he was prosecuted and exiled in the penal colonies of Bermuda and Van Diemen’s Land. He escaped to New York in 1853, where he published his famous prison memoir, Jail Journey.