One of the great rarities of Western Australian colonial art. The scene shows the escaped Fenians in a whaleboat attempting to reach the Catalpa while being pursued by the water police and the British steamer the Georgette. From 1865 to 1867 British authorities, after becoming increasingly concerned with republican demonstrations, began arresting supporters of the Irish Republican Brotherhood commonly called the Fenians. The Fenians had supporters in America known as the Fenian Brotherhood. Sixty two were transported to the penal colony at Fremantle, landing there in January 1868. Among this group was John Boyle O'Reilly who managed to escaped while working in a convict gang near Bunbury. He was helped by an Irish settler who arranged a passage for him on an American whaler the Vigilant in February 1869. He was unsuccessful in getting on that vessel but finally escaped on another whaler, the Gazelle, a few days later. While in America O'Reilly with the help of the Fenian Brotherhood arranged a rescue of the remaining Fenians in Fremantle goal. The whaling ship the Catalpa was bought with funds raised by the Fenian Brotherhood and departed for Western Australia on 29 April 1875. An advance party posing as a businessmen was sent to coordinate with the prisoners. The scene shows the escaped Fenians in a whaleboat attempting to reach the ship while being pursued by the water police and the British steamer the Georgette. The British were reluctant to use force as the Catalpa was in international waters and allowed her to sail away. On its arrival in New York it was greeted with scenes of jubilation from the large crowds. Image Size: 420mm x 310mm (16.5" x 12.2"). Condition: Faint vertical creasing and one horizontal crease, laid onto support sheet but otherwise in good condition with wide margins. Technique: Lithograph, with one tint. Seller Inventory # SHIPS AA 1876 CATA

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Bark Catalpa, of New Bedford.

Publication Date: 1876

Binding: No Binding

Condition: Very Good

Store Description

Antique Print and Map Room is the largest specialist dealer of rare antique maps and prints in Australia. Established in 1979, our gallery is located in Ultimo, near Sydney's city centre (5 minute walk from the Powerhouse Museum). Our extensive stock is available for purchase online or in our gallery. Our collection includes items from almost every geographical area and spans historical periods from the 15th to the 20th centuries. We have a particular focus on maps and prints charting the early discoveries and cultural exchanges of the East Indies, Pacific and Australia. This includes one of the largest and compelling collections of natural history in Australia. We stock only the highest quality material and guarantee the items are described as in the condition reports on our website. Since our founding, we have become a trusted source of prized historical material for collectors and prestigious national and international institutions and several important private collections. We are members of the following professional associations: AAADA, ANZAAB, ILAB, CINOA.

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Antique Print & Map Room
Shop 189, 392 Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia

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