Kangaroos
Object numberRCSSC/P 289
Scientific nameMacropus (Macropus) giganteus
CollectionSpecial collections
CategoryVisual works
Object nameAnimal subjects (visual works), Oil paintings
TitleKangaroos
DescriptionPainting of a group of kangaroos among trees. Attributed without certainty to John Lewin (1770-1819) by William Clift, first Conservator of the Royal College of Surgeons museum, in 1807. However, studies of Lewin reveal this attribution to be highly unlikely. Clift's suggestion that the work was 'Painted in New Holland' is also highly unlikely. The work may have been painted in Britain, where live kangaroos had been present in menageries since the early 1790s.
Production date 1807
Artist
Unknown, Australia
presented
Related objectsRCSSC/P 288
Physical Location
Location
Not on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Physical Information
Physical descriptionOil on canvas, in glazed gilt frame, 25cm by 30cm.
Dimensions
canvas width: 305 mm
canvas height: 254 mm
frame width: 395 mm
frame height: 345 mm
canvas height: 254 mm
frame width: 395 mm
frame height: 345 mm
Bibliography
SourceRienits & Rienits 1963
124-145
NotesChapter 5 covers the life and work of John William Lewin. Copy in Object file.
SourceClift 1816
NotesManuscript list titled "A List of Paintings and Drawings framed and glazed, numbered according to the Situation in which they were placed round the rail of the Gallery in Mr. Hunter's museum in Castle Street Leicester Square". The entry for this and its companion are under a heading "PICTURES AND DRAWINGS Belonging to the College; and added by Donation, which are distinguished by the following Numbers attached to them".
Transcript2 Small paintings of Kanguroos represented in their natural haunts and habits. Painted in New South Wales? By [blank] Presented by Mr. Home
SourceDonations Book 1810-1817
NotesEntry for 1807, by William Clift.
Transcript287. Two small paintings representing Kangaroos in their native wild state. Painted in New Holland. They now hang in the Museum Hall. There is no painter's name, but they are supposed to have been painted by Mr Lewin, who was a Draughtsman and resided many years in the Colony and I believe died there. W.C.