The Convict Artists. Hackforth-Jones. Early Australian Art book.

$150.00

Australian Convict Artists. Jocelyn Hackforth-Jones.
Published by The Macmillan Company of Australia Pty Ltd.1977 
ISBN 0 333 22911 8.  225 x 295 x 15 (8.3/4 x 11.1/2 x 1/2 inch)
Dust Jacket in good condition. Slight mark on top edge near spine and slight scuffing to top and base of hardcover spine and cover. Slight damage to extremity of inside back page. Internally as new.

While many early convict artists were transported to the Australian penal colony after being convicted of forgery, there were many other European convict artists in Australia who had been transported for anything from petty theft to Highway robbery. Forgery of banknotes in the 'old country' was sometimes an experiece that was utilized by the early colonial government in designing Australian bank notes.
Both government and private employment was available to convict artists who drew and painted the flora, fauna, and topography of the areas explored and settled, portraits of the community, and the buildings that were constructed as the colony grew. Convict artistic revcords of early Australia are of great historic importance.

This book provides a wonderful cross-section of artwork with descriptions of 19th century convict artists. There is also an Explanation at the rear, of Ticket of Leave, Conditional Pardon, Absolute Pardon.. – all very interesting reading.

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