Sydney - Capital New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sydney - Capital New South Wales, c 1800
Sydney - Capital New South Wales, ca.1800
Material	oil on canvas
Size	62 x 136 cm (inside frame 73.5 x 146 cm)
Created	c. 1800
Present location	State Library of New South Wales

This famous painting, titled Sydney - Capital New South Wales, was created around 1800. It is kept at the State Library of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. This artwork is special because it's one of the very first oil paintings to show Sydney town. It captures the view from what we now call East Circular Quay.

About the Painting

The full name written on the painting's frame is: Sydney - Capital New South Wales - founded by Governor Phillip - named after Lord Sydney Secretary for the Colonies: 1788. This oil painting is quite large, measuring 62 by 136 centimeters. With its frame, it is even bigger, at 73.5 by 146 centimeters.

What the Painting Shows

The painting shows Sydney town from the west side of Sydney Cove. It looks out towards the "Heads," which are the cliffs at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. The picture highlights how well Sydney was growing. You can see many buildings and neat gardens.

On the right side of the painting, where Bridge Street is today, you can spot the homes and offices of government leaders. The two-story building known as Government House is also there. Today, the Museum of Sydney stands on that very spot.

History of the Artwork

Sydney – Capital New South Wales was painted around 1800. It was most likely created in England. The artist probably used drawings that were made in Sydney, possibly by an artist named Thomas Watling.

How the Painting Was Acquired

The painting was bought in 1915 by Sir William Dixson. He purchased it from the family of Viscount Sydney. Later, in 1929, Sir William Dixson gave the painting to the State Library of New South Wales. This is where it is still kept today.

Who Painted It?

For a long time, people have discussed whether Thomas Watling was the artist of this painting. Experts have written about their ideas in different publications.

Sir William Dixson once thought this painting was the original for another artwork called "Blake's View 1802." This was before a similar version of the painting became public. This painting also seems to be a partner to another artwork called Sydney Cove looking to the west, ca. 1800.

Today, experts do not believe Thomas Watling painted it directly. Instead, they think an unknown artist in Britain created it. This artist likely used sketches that Watling made while he was in Sydney.

See also

• Australian Art