Lyrebird [Maenura Superba], or, Superb Lyrebird

London: Cadell and Davies, 1802. Watling, Thomas (after) and Samuel John Neele (engraver). Original hand-coloured engraving, 260mm x 215mm, published in 'An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales', 1802. Near fine condition

The engraving is from an on-the-spot pencil sketch by Thomas Watling, a convict transported to Australia in 1792 for forging banknotes. Impressed by his artistic work, the Governor of New South Wales, John Hunter, gave Watling a conditional pardon in 1796. The artist spent the next four years in NSW painting landscapes, topographical views and drawing birds including the Lyrebird, known as 'Menura novaehollandiae'. Item #94140

Price (AUD): $950.00   Other currencies