Description

Romauld Georges Ménard (or Mesnard), naval artist, was the draughtsman under Captain Abel Aubert du Petit Thouars aboard Venus, 1836-39. This expedition, ordered by King Louis Philippe partly to lay formal claim to Tahiti, included a visit to Sydney in November and December 1838.

Lithographs after Ménard’s drawings appeared in the Atlas Pittoresque in 1841. part of the 10 volume official account of the voyage (Paris, 1840-1846).

Two of Ménard’s images were reproduced as lithographs in Thouars’ official account of the voyage, Voyage autour du monde sur la frégate La Venus 1836-1839 par M. Abel du Petit-Thouars. One plate is titled Vue de la rade de Sydney et du Fort Macquarie. The other view, a doublr plate, is taken from the present watercolour and is titled Vue de Sydney et de l’entree de la rivière de Parramatta.