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Waiting the Ebb HEEMSKERCK Batavia 1642

Artist Geoffrey Chapman Ingleton (Australian, 1908 - 1998)

Date1930s

Object number00004837

NameEtching

MediumInk on paper, frame

DimensionsSight: 210 x 250 mm
Mount: 400 x 550 mm
Overall: 435 x 587 mm, 1.35 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

Jakarta Raya

DescriptionThis etching shows the vessel HEEMERSKERCK at the port of Batavia (now Jakarta) in the Dutch East Indies in 1642. Abel Tasman was in command of the HEEMERSKERCK when he embarked on a voyage to discover the size and shape of the South Land. It was on this voyage that Van Diemens Land (now Tasmania), New Zealand, Tonga (Tongatapu and Ha'apai) and Fiji were first discovered by Europeans. During the 1930s, artist Geoffrey Ingleton completed many works celebrating significant events in maritime history.HistoryDuring the 1600s the Dutch East India Company or Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) was a rapidly expanding merchant organisation and one of the most powerful trading companies in the world. The VOC established a trade network throughout Asia transporting rare spices, textiles and seeking new markets for their goods. The town of Batavia (now Jakarta, Indonesia) became the headquarters for the VOC in Asia and a hub for the VOC Fleet. Abel Tasman was one of the companys most skilful sailors and he was instructed to undertake an expedition to investigate the commercial potential of other lands in the southern ocean and Pacific. Lieutenant Commander Geoffrey Chapman Ingleton (1908-1998) was an historian, book collector, artist, modelmaker, publisher, printmaker and illustrator. Born at Bairnsdale, Victoria on 14 May 1908 he entered the Royal Australian Naval College at Jervis Bay, NSW in 1922. His naval training took him to Britain and when Ingleton returned in 1930 he was commissioned a Lieutenant. He served in HMAS MORESBY surveying the northern Australian coastline. Leaving the Navy in 1936 he went on to establish a successful career as a draftsman, artist and etcher. From 1940 until 1973 when he retired Ingleton worked for the RAN's Hydrographic Office. Ingleton gained fame for his works depicting early Sydney life and maritime scenes, ships and events in Australia's past, including a series representing historical maritime vessels. He drew on his naval experience and expertise for technical accuracy. Ingleton's published works include 'Charting a Continent' (1944), 'Matthew Flinders: Navigator and Chartmaker' (1986) and 'True Patriots All' (1952).SignificanceGeoffrey Ingleton completed numerous artworks depicting famous events in maritime history. In this work he celebrates the achievements of Abel Janszoon Tasman. Tasman was the first European to chart part of Van Diemens Land (now Tasmania), New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji on an epic voyage from 1642 to 1643.