Norfolk Island Early Botanical Art

Overview

Situated between temperate and tropical oceanic environments, Norfolk Island has nearly 190 native flora species, with around 40 species and one genus being endemic. Prior to European settlement of the island, the vegetation largely comprised subtropical rainforest. Early British visitors – first Cook’s 1774 voyage and then Philip Gidley King’s in 1788 – remarked on the denseness of the vegetation. The destruction of the island’s natural flora began with the land clearing and building program introduced with convict settlement (1825–55). Today, much of the island’s botanical diversity is restricted to the National Park and Botanic Garden, which covers around 14 per cent of the island.

The earliest examples of botanical art from Norfolk Island are from the late 18th century. A body of works is attributed to convict John Doody, who arrived in the colony of New South Wales in 1791 with the Third Fleet, before relocating to Norfolk Island as a servant to Captain William Paterson. It is believed that Doody is responsible for a wonderful collection of watercolour, ink and pencil works of around 50 flora species, which are held in the collection of the State Library of New South Wales. It is thought that the illustrations were possibly made for Paterson, who was in correspondence with British botanist Joseph Banks with regards to the natural history of Norfolk Island.

Technical specifications