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The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, BART, K.B. President of the Royal Society from an original picture by T. Lawrence, Esq, R.A. In the possession of Samuel Lysons, Esq.
The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, BART, K.B. President of the Royal Society from an original picture by T. Lawrence, Esq, R.A. In the possession of Samuel Lysons, Esq.

The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, BART, K.B. President of the Royal Society from an original picture by T. Lawrence, Esq, R.A. In the possession of Samuel Lysons, Esq.

Engraver (1772-1813)
Publisher (London, 1793 - 1836)
Artist (fl. 1800-1822)
Date1810
Object number00003607
NameEngraving
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 21 x 595 x 492 mm, 2.55 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThe Right Honourable Sir Joseph Banks, naturalist, patron of science and President of the Royal Society is depicted in this engraving. It was printed in London, England on 1 January 1810 and was one of many portraits that helped establish Banks as a respected botanist and patron of the natural sciences.HistorySir Joseph Banks was born at Westminster, England on 13 February 1743. Schooled at Harrow and Eton he displayed an early interest in the natural sciences. In 1764 after receiving his family's inheritance Banks left Oxford University where he was studying botany and spent his time examining plants in the practical world. In 1766 he was on board HMS NIGER when it travelled to Newfoundland and collected many rock and natural specimens. Banks also conducted a number of field trips collecting and studying plants, historic sites and rock formations. In 1766 he was made a fellow of the Royal Society. Banks' most famous survey work was completed as part of the Royal Navy's expedition under Captain James Cook to the Pacific in HMB ENDEAVOUR. Equipped with a large fortune and a wealth of natural history experience Banks was recommended to the British Admiralty by the Royal Society. Banks had a staff of eight in attendance including naturalists Daniel Solander, H D Sporing and the artists Alexander Buchan and Sydney Parkinson. Between 1768 and 1771 Banks and his staff collected large amounts of specimens including seeds, shells, insects, bottled specimens and animals. He took many of the pieces back to England with him which formed an extensive collection of natural history objects.SignificanceThis portrait represents one of the most influential men of the 18th & 19th centuries. Banks made a substantial contribution to the study of Australian flora and fauna and supported the development and exploration of the colony.