Maritime · 19th century
€ 240
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition Report: Marginal toning and light foxing, with minor handling wear at edges. The image area remains clean and sharp, with excellent tonal contrast. Overall in good condition.
This striking lithograph, circa 1836, captures a serene and atmospheric view of the lighthouse at Port Jackson (Sydney), New South Wales. The lighthouse, standing tall against a dramatic sky with rays of sunlight piercing through the clouds, serves as the focal point of the composition. Its architecture reflects both functionality and elegance, symbolizing safety and guidance for mariners navigating the bustling harbor.
The foreground depicts daily life in the vicinity of the lighthouse, with figures on horseback, a horse-drawn carriage, and local residents conversing near the structure. The fenced compound and adjacent buildings add a sense of order and European influence amidst the natural Australian landscape. The play of light and shadow creates a dramatic yet tranquil mood, evoking both the grandeur of the natural environment and the human endeavor to tame it.
Created by Louis Auguste de Sainson during Dumont d'Urville’s expedition, this lithograph was later reproduced in Brodtmann’s *Entdeckungs, Reise der Franzosischen Corvette Astrolabe*. It is a remarkable depiction of colonial architecture and life at one of Australia’s key maritime landmarks.
Condition Report: Marginal toning and light foxing, with minor handling wear at edges. The image area remains clean and sharp, with excellent tonal contrast. Overall in very good condition.
