Old Catalogue
Manuscripts, oral history and pictures catalogue
Adlib Internet Server 5
Try the new catalogue. Start exploring now ›

Details



Print
421756
  • Title
    [Koala and young], 1803 / J.W. Lewin
  • Creator
  • Call number
    ML 896
  • Level of description
    fonds
  • Date

    1803
  • Type of material
  • Reference code
    421756
  • Issue Copy
    Digitised
  • Physical Description
    1 drawing - watercolour and gouache - 29.4 x 34.1 cm. (sheet); 37.7 x 44.2 cm. (mounting page)
  • Collection history
    The King family descendant probably purchased the watercolour in 1803
  • Access Conditions

    Access via appointment
  • Copying Conditions
    Out of copyright: Artist died before 1955
    Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
  • General note

    This work is believed to be the earliest surviving drawing of a koala by a European.
    J. W. Lewin's depiction of a koala and its young has been variously described by contemporaries:

    The botanist Robert Brown related to Sir Joseph Banks that ""The Governor, I learn, sends a drawing made by Mr Lewin. Mr Bauer cannot on so short a notice finish the more accurate one he has taken"" -- Reference: Brown to Banks, September 1803, Historical Records of NSW, vol.5, p.228.

    Captain William Paterson described the drawing to Banks as ""very worthless"" Reference: Paterson to Banks, 10 March 1804, Papers of Sir Joseph Banks, ML Series 27.29.

    The drawing may be the Koala referred to in the Sydney Gazette, August 21, 1803, a copy of which is filed at PXn 622.
    Digital order no:a928145
  • Signatures / Inscriptions

    Signed & dated at lower right "I.W. Lewin N.S.W 1803"
  • Topic
  • Exhibited in

    In the garden - Parramatta Heritage Centre
    A Rage for Curiosity - State Library of New South Wales (September, 1997 - January, 1998)
    Lewin: Wild Art - State Library of New South Wales (March, 2012 - October, 2012)
    Australian Inspiration - State Library of New South Wales (July, 2015 - September, 2015)

View Media Files

2.

  • Browse collection hierarchy
  • Manuscript Index
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W
  • X
  • Y
  • Z

Share this result by email