Early topographical watercolour of Sydney

This early topographical watercolour of Sydney includes many architectural landmarks of the time and was painted from Fort Phillip, which is now the Sydney Observatory.

According to Richard Neville, this watercolour and the related work held in the State Library collection are possibly the work of George Evans. Certainly they are the work of a surveyor or well-trained soldier. The dating of this watercolour to 1825 was confirmed by Richard Neville.

Neither this watercolour, nor the sketch held in the State Library, has ever been published indicating a link between them from the earliest period. The source for the watercolour offered here is believed to be the sketch that passed to the State Library in 1952 from the collection of Sir William Dixson.