Fine early portrait of Arthur Phillip Esq. Governor c1789

$75.00

Antique print of Arthur Phillip Esquire, Captain General and Commander in Chief In & Over the Territory of New South Wales.

Original stippled copperplate engraving by W. Sherwin after the portrait made in London by Francis Wheatley following Phillip's apppointment. In 1786 the British Home Office appointed Arthur Phillip (1738-1814) to command the first fleet of convicts to New South Wales. This engraving was published in London for Voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay; with an Account of the Establishment of the Colonies of Port Jackson & Norfolk Island by John Stockdale in 1789 (with later hand-colour).

Under official instructions to establish good relations with the indigenous people, Governor Phillip tried unsuccessfully over several months to establish willing communication with the local population. He forced the issue by kidnapping two aboriginal men. Colebee soon escaped, but Bennelong chose to remain. After two difficult years, a peaceful relationship was attained between Phillip and Bennelong. Bennelong helped to create a period of relative peace between the indigenous tribes and the British settlers, while Phillip taught Bennelong about British customs and behaviour.

Image: 15.2cm x 12.6cm. Plate-mark: 22.8cm x 14.3cm. Sheet: 24.8cm x 19.0cm.