The Departure, Second Class

Engraver William Henry Simmons

Artist Abraham Solomon

Date1857

Object number00036855

NameEngraving

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 610 × 838 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionAn engraving by William Henry Simmons titled 'The Departure - Second Class' after a work by Abraham Solomon. The image shows a family in a Second Class railway carriage saying goodbye to their young son who appears to be off to the gold diggings in the Australian colonies or possibly to join a ship. In the background can be seen a busy seaport and posters advertising passage to the Australian colonies.HistoryMore than 1.6 million convicts; assisted and free immigrants came to Australia by ship between 1788 and 1900. Most of them came from the British Isles, with smaller numbers from Europe, the Americas, India and China. Although the numbers of immigrants coming to Australia were quite small, especially when compared to those going to North America, immigration played a highly significant role in the social and economic development of Australia in the 19th century. For most migrants the passage to Australia was the first, and frequently the last, long voyage of their lives. For many it was the first time they had left their home country, and for some, the first time they had left their home town or village. In the 19th century the long sea voyage in search of a new life, wealth and social or political freedom was fraught with hazards. No matter what their 'class', age, gender or religious persuasion the sea voyage was part of the immigrant experience. All immigrants shared the same perils and risks in coming to a new land; shipwreck, storms, accidents, illnesses and in some cases death. The loved ones they were leaving behind knew the risks of such a voyage and understood that they may never see or hear from their relative or friend ever again. Abraham Solomon captured these scenes of sorrow, departure and farewell in paintings such as 'The Departure - Second Class'. Paintings which found their way into many homes both in England and the Colonies through the practice of engraving.SignificanceSecond Class - The Parting (1854) by Abraham Solomon and the engraving after his work 'The Departure - Second Class' (1857) by William Henry Simmons have become over time two of the most evocative, popular and best known images of departure and immigration. Although the destination of the young man is unclear it has often been suggested - by the references to Australia and goldfields in the background - that the man is off to find his fortune in Australia.