Description
Rare historically important, separately issued aquatint of Sydney Cove.
First state of two, one of the obvious differences to identify this first state is the longer pennant. The original drawing for this aquatint, now lost, was most likely produced in the colony by the convicted artist Thomas Watling in about 1800 and re-drawn by Edward Dayes for the London engraver Francis Jukes. The view is taken from Dawes Point looking eastward.
On the eastern foreshore, Governor King can be seen driving towards the Tank Stream in his coach, the tanks which gave the stream its name are visible just above the ship in dry dock in the mid foreground. This is the brig Portland, the first attempt at local ship-building, initiated by Governor Hunter in 1797, the ship was not launched until 1816 and renamed Henrietta Elizabeth.
Sold with a copy of the rare key which identifies numerous buildings and places of interest.
Reference
Hunt & Davidson Sydney Views 1788-1888 2007 Plates 34 & 35 page 632/63
