Black-eyed Sue and Sweet Poll of Plymouth taking leave of their lovers who are going to Botany Bay
Publisher
Laurie & Whittle
(British, 1794 - 1812)
Date1794
Object number00005581
NameEngraving
MediumInk on paper, hand coloured
DimensionsOverall: 217 × 290 × 1 mm
Image: 168 × 217 mm
Plate Mark (Plate mark): 200 × 249 mm
Display dimensions (B size fini, ext): 435 × 590 × 45 mm
Mount / Matt size (B size mount): 407 × 560 mm
Image: 168 × 217 mm
Plate Mark (Plate mark): 200 × 249 mm
Display dimensions (B size fini, ext): 435 × 590 × 45 mm
Mount / Matt size (B size mount): 407 × 560 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionEngraving titled 'Black-eyed Sue, and Sweet Poll of Plymouth, taking leave of their lovers who are going to Botany Bay'. This hand coloured satirical engraving depicts two women farewelling their convict 'lovers' who are shackled and being commanded to board a ship bound for Australia.
HistoryDespite the class judgement that may be evident in this print, what is clear is the despair that was felt when a sentence for transportation was handed down on criminals. Already shackled and under the stern direction of the armed overseer, the two men leaving are clearly saddened by their departure from Plymouth and into the unknown. On one side in the distance is a rigged transport ship ready for sail and the other, a corpse hanging from the gallows. The paths for the condemned here are clear and being sent to Australia and a new life could be a chance at retribution.
But little was known of Australia, certainly in 1794 amongst those who were likely to be sent there. For some it would be a death sentence but for others it was a chance to start afresh with opportunities not available in Britain. Between 1788 and 1868 over 168,000 men, women and children were transported to Australia as convicts on board more than 1,000 modified merchant ships which had been converted into convict transports.
Originally published by Robert Sayer & Co. in 1792. This engraving was published by Laurie & Whittle in 1794, they were Robert Sayer's assistants who took over his company on his death.
SignificanceThis well-known print shows the despair at receiving a sentence for transportation to Australia. It was highly unlikely these prisoners would ever return home and yet the hanging corpse in the distance suggests a life in the penal colony may still be their best option.
