Two historically significant watercolours by British artist George French Angas are to be auctioned at Bonhams' Australian Art sale on August 22 in Sydney.
They are estimated to net AU$20,000-30,000 each and could well entice art collectors looking for items of historic value.
These two watercolours were exhibited in Australia before Angas took them back to England in 1846, where they have remained in the collection of his family for over 150 years.
 Angas decided against painting the 200 sheep |
The first of the two lots depicts the departure of Captain Charles Napier Sturt (1795-1869) on his third and final expedition into central Australia.
On August 10 1844, Sturt left Adelaide with 15 men, 6 carts, a boat and 200 sheep. This painting shows all the chaos that surrounded the departure.
The second work is titled The Flower Show, Adelaide. In February 1844, the South Australian Agricultural Society merged with an early horticultural organisation and staged its first combined exhibition held under marquees and tents among the gum trees in Botanic Park.
This was the birth of the Agricultural & Horticultural Society and what was to become the Royal Adelaide Show. It is now a major annual event.
Hannah O'Leary of Bonhams comments: "Original Angas watercolours, particularly those from his Australian period, rarely come to the market.
"The fact that they depict two major events makes them even more exciting.
They are important historical artefacts and we are delighted that they are returning to Australia for auction."
Paul Fraser Collectibles will bring you all the action from the Sydney auction later in the month.
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