Brisbane. First House in Brisbane, Queensland. Antique engraving c1886

by Fitler, W.C.

Antique Print of First House in Brisbane. Original engraving c1886. (This typical small house of simple design with front veranda, and shaded by a tree, was demolished many years ago, to make way for development in George Street).

Original wood engraving by Georgius after a sketch by William C. Fitler (1857-1915) for "Picturesque Atlas of Australasia" published between 1886 and 1888 to commemorate 100 years since the First Fleet arrival in Australia, and to provide a graphic summary of the discovery, settlement and development in Australia and the adjacent countries. Leading artists and topographical engravers were commissioned, and Frederick Schell was appointed Art Director to compile illustrations for the publication. Over 700 engravings were carved (in reverse) from drawings and sketches. Most of the engravings were carved from wood, but some finer portraits combined the skilled art of mezzotint with steel engraving. Some engraved views featured a lithographic border composed of Australian flora. The illustrations were some of the finest engravings produced anywhere in the world in the late 19th century.

Full page engravings were inserted without printing on the reverse, but most of the engravings are within a page of text - as with this one. Published in black and white, this engraving has been hand-tinted with watercolour, which certainly makes it more decorative. The engraving is 85 x 100mm (approx. 3.5 x 4 inches).