Description
Early c.19th French lithographic view of George Street, Sydney, looking northeast by Louis Sainson, artist on Dumont D’Urville’s voyage of exploration.
The view is taken from Charlotte Place, now Grosvenor Street, looking east to George Street. The building on the left is the main Guard house and across the street is the male orphan house, behind which can be seen the mastheads of a ship anchored in Circular Quay. Standing prominently in the centre foreground is the Aboriginal leader Bungaree, dressed in British military livery and with king plate, or breastplate. Macquarie began the practice of issuing breastplates to Aboriginals in 1816 and dubbed Bungaree, the first to receive this dubious honour, ‘Chief of Broken Bay.’ Bungaree was seen frequently in the Sydney area, ceremonially welcoming newcomers and teaching about Aboriginal customs, notably Boomerang throwing.
From ‘Voyage de la Corvette Astrolabe Execute par Ordre du Roi pendant les annees 1826-1827-1828-1829, sours le Commandement’. Paris.
