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Middle Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales
Middle Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales

Middle Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales

Artist
Datec 1878
Object number00000867
NameLithograph
MediumChromolithographic print on paper
DimensionsImage: 154 x 205 mm
Sight: 196 x 407 mm
Mount: 508 x 407 mm
Sheet: 238 x 301 mm
Overall: 508 x 407 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis work was one of 22 lithographs printed in Robert Wendel's 'New South Wales Album' (1878), published by C Troedel & Co. A lone man sits under a tree at Middle Harbour, Sydney. He holds a staff in his hand. In the far distance a ship steams through the harbour and a handful of dwellings are visible. These are the only signs of European habitation.HistorySydney Cove was established by Governor Arthur Phillip when he arrived with the First Fleet on 26 January 1788. The cove was named in honour of the British Home Secretary, Thomas Townsend, Lord Sydney and chosen as the site of settlement over Botany Bay because it offered both fresh water and a secure place for ships to anchor. Phillip described Sydney Cove as having 'the best spring of water, and in which the ships can anchor so close to the shore that at a very small expense quays may be made at which the largest ships may unload'. He aimed to establish a flourishing colony not just a penal site and supported plans to build a structured orderly town plan. SignificanceThis work documents the rugged topography of Middle Harbour, which hindered its setttlement until the 20th century.