Yachting in Sydney Harbour, Australia. Early Yacht Race c1888

$220.00

Wonderful antique print of Sydney Harbour Yachting, c1888.

Original wood engraving by A.F. Wood from an action sketch by Hogan and Frederick Schell for Picturesque Atlas of Australasia which was published in Sydney between 1886 and 1888 to commemorate 100 years since First Fleet settlement in at Port Jackson, and to provide a graphic summary of the discovery, settlement and development in Australia and the adjacent countries.

Leading artists and topographical engravers were commissioned, and Frederick Schell was appointed Art Director to compile illustrations for the publication. Over 700 engravings were carved (in reverse) from drawings and sketches. Most of the engravings were carved from wood, but some finer portraits combined fine mezzotint with steel engraving. Some engraved views featured a lithographic border composed of Australian flora. The illustrations were some of the finest engravings produced anywhere in the world in the late 19th century.

These interesting engravings have always been collectable, with many hand-coloured since publication. Full page size was usually 45 x 34cm (17.5 x 13.5 inches). Some of the larger engravings were inserted without printing on reverse, but most of the engravings were printed within a page of text.

This engraving is in good condition, with fine later hand-colour. Engraving size: 15 x 27 cm (6 x 10.5 inches).