This first-edition, exquisite 1789 hand-coloured engraving, "Blue Bellied Parrot," originates from "The Voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay; with an Account of the Establishment of the Colonies of Port Jackson & Norfolk Island", published in London, 1789. This work is acclaimed for its foundational narrative of the British colonisation of Australia and was one of the first publications introducing the exotic wildlife of a then-mysterious continent to European audiences.

This particular plate is likely the first illustration of Australia’s unique “Rainbow Lorikeet”. Illustrated by Peter Mazell.

A fine coloured examples of this important plate.

Provenance: Collection of William, Duke of Bedford.

Details

• Date: 1789
• Author: Arthur Philip; London, England
• Size: 28cm x 21cm
• Medium: Copperplate engraving with recent hand-colouring

Condition

Excellent; Excellent condition, clear impression with strong, recent colouring.

Unframed.