Sydney harbour scene

Artist Henri Tebbitt (1852 - 1927)

Datec 1904

Object number00029323

NamePainting

MediumWatercolour on canvas backed paper, wood gilt frame

DimensionsOverall: 895 × 1454 × 57 mm, 13.4 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from David Henwood

Terms

Sydney

DescriptionHenri Tebbitt painted this large watercolour of Sydney Harbour around 1904. Painted from Garden Island, is shows Sydney Harbour across to Bennelong Point, including Fort Denison and Mrs Macquarie's point. The painting features the unusual combination of a tramp steamer (possibly Adelaide Steamship Company's ALLINGA), a schooner and a clinker-built row boat. In the distance is a four-funnelled warship (possibly HMS EURYALUS), and a small steam launch.HistoryHenri Tebbitt was born in Paris in 1852 and died in Australia in 1926. He was exiled from France after being involved in the Communard disorders of 1871. He travelled through Europe and Britain before settling in Australia in 1889. In Australia, he painted a number of small pastoral scenes and landscapes. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Artists and Royal Institute of Painters.SignificanceThis painting is an unusual record of Sydney Harbour at the turn of the 20th century. It includes a tramp steamer, a schooner and a row boat - representing the three modes of water transport of the day.