Stampede of Pack Horses. Northern Territory. Thomas Baines antique print c1874.

$145.00

A.C. Gregory's exploration artist Thomas Baines (1820-1875), achieved fame for his illustrations of such expeditions in Africa and Australia. From Baines's sketch, this engraving by John Godfrey was published in Australia Illustrated, in London c.1874.

Inspired by explorer artists, Thomas Baines left England for Capetown in 1842. From his base in the Eastern Cape between 1848 and 1850 he joined three expeditions to the interior. In 1850-1851 he served with the British army as official war artist during the Eighth Frontier War, and in 1852 he published his Scenery and Events in South Africa. After two years' lecturing, painting and writing in England, he sailed for Australia.

After arriving in Australia in January 1856 he became official artist and storekeeper on the north Australian expedition of (Augustus Charles) A.C. Gregory, from Victoria River to Brisbane. On his return to England he was elected a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. The following year he joined David Livingstone's Zambezi expedition as storekeeper and artist, and undertook several excursions into the interior, making maps and sketching the scenery and people. Unfortunately, like most members of the party he fell out with Livingstone's brother Charles. Baines was dismissed on 7th December 1859 and was dispatched on a warship bound for Capetown. He was forced to leave most of his belongings, including his paintings. Livingstone's official narrative of the expedition made no mention of Baines, and declined to acknowledge that most of the illustrations of his journal were by Thomas Baines.

This antique print is in fine condition, with wide margins as published. Page size is 210 x 275mm (8 1/4 x 10 3/4 inches). Image size is 12 x 17cm (4 3/4 x 6 7/8 inches)