Port Essington (Cote N. de l'Australie)
Artist
Louis Le Breton (1818-1866)
(French, 1818 - 1866)
Date1839
Object number00003620
NameLithograph
MediumInk on paper
Dimensions560 mm W x 410mm H
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA lithograph, Plate 118, titled 'Port Essington (Cote N. de l'Australie)' from the Atlas Pittoresque, Voyage au pole sud et dans l'Oceanie by J. Dumont d'Urville, Vol. 2'.
The lithograph depicts the ships of Dumont d'Urville's expedition anchored off Port Essington, Northern Australia,HistoryDespite the picturesque depiction by Ernest Goupil, the British settlement at Port Essington was another failed attempt to establish a colony in northern Australia. Plagued by its remote location and lack of facilities, the region highlighted the lack of understanding the British had about the challenging environment they found themselves.
Settled in October 1838 by a small group of marines and their families, Port Essington struggled from the outset. The following year a cyclone laid waste to many of the poor quality buildings and over the years, many inhabitants died of disease. The anticipated trade with Asia failed to materialise and in 1849 all pretence that the settlement could operate even as a naval outpost was abandoned and the remaining residents left.
SignificanceThis image reflects the ongoing attempts by the British to colonise the continent of Australia and prevent other European powers establishing their own settlements. Northern Australia proved to be both strategic yet highly problematic for the British and Port Essington would ultimately abandoned.
