Vue du Fort Macquarie [View of Fort Macquarie]

Artist Victor-Jean Adam (1801-1866)

Date1828

Object number00000884

NameLithograph

MediumColour lithographic print on paper

DimensionsOverall: 172 x 214 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis work was printed as page 36 in 'Album pittoresque de la fregate La Thetis et de la corvette L'Esperance' (1828) by M. le vicomte de La Touanne. Fort Macquarie was built on Bennelong Point in 1821. Governor Lachlan Macquarie directed the construction and it was designed by convict architect Francis Greenway. It was demolished in the early 20th century for a tram depot and the Sydney Opera House now stands on the spot.HistoryM. le vicomte de La Touanne was a topographical artist and naval officer on LA THETIS and L'ESPERANCE expedition to the South Seas in 1824-26 under the command of the French explorer Hyacinthe de Bougainville. The commander had been given orders to report on the defence capabilities of New South Wales, so when the ships arrived at Port Jackson in 1825 de Bougainville, his officers and his artist wandered as far afield as possible, from Botany Bay to the Blue Mountains. Bougainville's official conclusion was that although the settlement's defences were poor the harbour was so deep and so protected as to be almost impregnable. The square castellated Fort Macquarie faced the harbour on three sides, had 15 guns and housed a small garrison. The powder magazine beneath the tower was capable of storing 350 barrels of gunpowder.SignificanceThis lithograph is an important historical record of military defences of the colony of NSW in the early 19th century and highlights the interest of the French in British colonies.