Antique Print-AUSTRALIA-BENNELONG-NATIVE-NEW HOLLAND-ABORIGINAL-Anonymous-c.1800

This print shows a portrait of a Aboriginal mamed Bennilonga from New Holland in Australia. He is placed within an oval frame to which is attached various feathers, drapes and weapons. He was visiting England and returned to his homeland 200 years ago. Bennelong (1764-1813) was a man of the Wangal clan of the Eora people of the Sydney region in Australia in 1788 when the British arrived to colonise Australia. Captured on orders of Governor Arthur Phillip in 1789. Phillip took him and kinsman Yemmerawanne to London in 1792. Benelong returned to Sydney in 1795. Bennelong Point, the site of the Sydney Opera House is named after him.The identification of Bennelong’s likely grave site in Putney in 2010 sparked media interest across Australia and the world. There is a site about his life.

Made by an anonymous engraver/artist.

Medium: Etching / Engraving on wove (vellin) paper. Watermark: No.

Sheet size: 20.5 x 25.5 cm (8.07 x 10.04 inch). Image size: 17.2 x 20.5 cm. (6.77 x 8.07 inch).

Condition: good, given age. Light soiling. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

AUSTRALIA-BENNILONGA-NATIVE-NEW HOLLAND-PUTNEY-GRAVE DISCOVERED-ABORIGINAL | RB-A7-23

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

This attractive print was published in ca. 1800.