Scenes from King George's Harbour, New Holland (modern-day Australia), 1836

About this sheet

This lithograph, circa 1836, offers a fascinating double depiction of life at King George's Harbour (modern-day Albany, Western Australia) during Dumont d'Urville's voyage aboard the Astrolabe. The top panel provides a panoramic view of the harbor, featuring the calm waters and anchored ships in the distance. European explorers are seen interacting with the land, Indigenous people, and each other, while tents and smoke from a fire suggest an encampment, blending maritime exploration with settlement activities.

The bottom panel zooms in on a more intimate scene, illustrating a group of Indigenous people gathered around a fire. The group, dressed in traditional garments, engages in conversation and daily activities, with one figure gesturing towards the center. The natural setting, with hills rolling into the horizon and the ships faintly visible in the background, evokes a sense of cultural connection to the land and sea.

Created by Louis Auguste de Sainson and later reproduced in Brodtmann's *Entdeckungs, Reise der Franzosischen Corvette Astrolabe*, this artwork captures the rich narrative of exploration and early encounters between Europeans and Indigenous Australians during the 19th century.

Condition Report: Marginal toning and light foxing, with minimal handling wear. Both images remain clear and sharp, retaining excellent detail and contrast. Overall in very good condition.