The Island of Saint Helena
Date1780-1850
Object number00019972
NamePainting
MediumWatercolour, paper
DimensionsOverall: 190 x 325 mm
Image: 161 x 313 mm
Sheet: 190 x 325 mm
Image: 161 x 313 mm
Sheet: 190 x 325 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionMonochrome watercolour titled 'The Island of St Helena' depicting a partial view of Jamestown and surrounding hills from the sea, boats can be seen in its harbour and a fort at centre left.HistoryPortuguese in 1502 - did not establish a settlement but introduced domestic animals and planted trees to assist passing ships who may choose to moor there. The ships of the EIC had begun to visit the island since 1603 and recognising its strategic significance for trade ordered all of its homeward-bound vessels to wait for one another at St Helena in 1649. The company was granted a charter to govern the island by the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth Oliver Cromwell in 1657 and the following year the Company decided to fortify and colonise St Helena. The EIC controlled the island until 1834 when it transferred control of the island to the Crown.
More than the developments of EIC, St Helena became renowned as a supply location for Captain James Cook's ship HMS ENDEAVOUR in May 1771 on its return from the voyage to the east coast of Australia. The island was also the home of exiled Napoleon Bonaparte after the Battle of Waterloo. He died on the island in 1821.
