Lot 17410: Philip - A Fish of New South Wales

This fine engraving on uncut paper is from Arthur Phillip's The Voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay. The work was published in London in 1789. This work was a classic account of the first western settlement in Australia.

Rodney Davidson considered the work 'the authentic record of the first settlement the work's importance cannot be over-emphasised, and no collection can be complete without a copy'. The text describes early expeditions into the interior around Botany Bay and Port Jackson, and the earliest coastal exploration. The natural history plates are mostly after drawings and possibly specimens sent back to London by John White.

"Phillip was given the task of founding a convict settlement in Australia, and became the first governor of New South Wales. Reaching Botany Bay in 1788, Via Tenerife, Rio de Janiero and the Cape of Good Hope, Phillip decided that the site was unsatisfactory and sailed to Port Jackson, where he founded the city named Sydney, after Thomas Townshend, Viscount Sydney, secretary of state." (Hill)

~ 9" by 11 3/4"

Engraving with Recent Professional Hand-coloring

1789

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

The Voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay