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C1787
The Opossum found in the Southern extremity of New Holland.
Artist:
C.18th engraving of a possum, based on the first printed image of an Australian Possum drawn by John Webber, which was first issued in Captain Cook’s 3rd voyage account published in 1784. This is the first printed image of an … Read Full Description
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Details
Full Title:
The Opossum found in the Southern extremity of New Holland.
Date:
C1787
Artist:
Engraver:
P.Mazell
Condition:
In good condition
Technique:
Copper engraving.
Image Size:
170mm
x 115mm
Paper Size:
232mm
x 160mm
AUTHENTICITY
Genuine antique
dated:
1787
Description:
C.18th engraving of a possum, based on the first printed image of an Australian Possum drawn by John Webber, which was first issued in Captain Cook’s 3rd voyage account published in 1784.
This is the first printed image of an Australian possum made at Adventure Bay. Webber had completed a small group of bird drawings, and one of an opossum both of which had been shot and taken aboard.
From Bankes, A new and authentic system of universal geography, antient and modern:
References:
Ferguson, J. A. Bibliography of Australia Volumes 1-8, Canberra 1976 59.
Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 4844910
State Library Victoria: RARELTF 910 B22N
State Library New South Wales: RECORD IDENTIFIER 74VK2vWoRWXM
John Webber (1752 - 1793)
John Webber was an 18th century artist, best known for his work as the official artist on Captain James Cook's third and final voyage to the Pacific in 1776-1780. He was born in London, England in 1751 and was trained as an artist. Webber accompanied Cook on his voyage as the official artist, tasked with creating drawings and paintings of the places and people they encountered. He produced many illustrations and sketches that were used to make engravings for inclusion in the official account of the voyage, published after Cook's death. Webber was required to "give a more perfect idea thereof than can be formed by written description." Webber's illustrations and engravings of the Pacific islands and their inhabitants are considered some of the most accurate and detailed depictions of the region from that time. They provide an important record of the places and people encountered by Cook and his crew, and are valuable for understanding the culture and daily life of the people of the Pacific during the 18th century. He died in London in 1793, after having returned from the voyage, but his work continues to be recognised as an important historical record of the voyage and of the art of his time. Webber's oeuvre from the voyage was the most comprehensive record of sights in the Pacific region ever produced.
