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Section 3 The Progress of Art

Joseph Lycett, 1775-c.1829
Hibiscus grandiflora, Australia c.1820

watercolour; 36.2 x 27.8 cm NK6335/F T1640
Rex Nan Kivell Collection, National Library of Australia

 

Better known as a topographical artist, Lycett had been transported to Sydney in 1814 for forgery. After securing a position in the police office he was arrested for forging five-shilling notes. He was sent to Newcastle, where his friend Captain James Wallis was commander. Here Lycett executed the original drawings for Wallis' Historical Account of New South Wales (1821). His work for Governor Macquarie secured him a pardon.

After travelling to Van Diemen's Land, Lycett returned to England in 1822 and prepared his Views in Australia, which was released in 13 monthly parts from July 1824. After this date Lycett disappears from the record, but it is rumoured that he moved to Bath, where he was again caught forging notes. He cut his throat but was taken to hospital. On regaining conciousness, in a last act of defiance, he tore open the wound and killed himself.

 

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