Is Jessie Robertson under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

What topics does Jessie Robertson explore?

portrait, victorian era, tasmania, family portrait, early 19th century, pencil drawing, historical figure

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Artwork Description

Jessie Robertson (1835–1849) was the eldest child of pastoralist and entrepreneur William Robertson (1798–1874) and his wife Margaret (née Whyte, 1811–1866). Scottish- born Robertson had emigrated to Van Diemen’s Land in 1822 and in the decade leading up to his marriage to Margaret, the daughter of free settlers, had developed substantial landowning and business interests in the colony. Like many other spectacularly successful settlers, Robertson became something of a patron of local artists. In 1849, he commissioned portraits from Thomas Bock of himself, his wife, and his brother, James, as well as a portrait of Jessie. This drawing is a preparatory study for the painting of Jessie, now in the collection of the Art Gallery of South Australia. In early December 1849 shortly after sitting for this portrait, Jessie died, aged fourteen, at the Robertson family home in Hobart, a memorial notice in the Colonial Times referring to her having suffered ‘a long and severe affliction.’ Thomas Bock (1790–1855), arrived in Hobart in January 1824, transported for fourteen years for his part in attempting to cause the miscarriage of a child conceived as a result of his seducing a young woman. At the time of his conviction, Bock was thirty-two, married and father to five children. As stated in his convict record, he had ‘served an apprenticeship to the Engraving Business’ and worked in Birmingham as a ‘portrait painter and engraver’. The colonial authorities therefore found immediate use for Bock, some of his earliest Tasmanian works being bank notes he engraved for the Bank of Van Diemen’s Land and drawings of executed criminals, made at the request of the Colonial Surgeon. After attaining a free pardon in 1833 he became Hobart’s most sought- after portraitist. Among his most significant works are his series of watercolours depicting Trukanini, Manalargenna and other Indigenous leaders, painted in the 1830s; and his 1842 portrait of Mathinna, an Aboriginal girl taken from her family in 1839 at the direction of Sir John and Lady Jane Franklin and sent to live at Government House in Hobart. Bock’s diverse output incorporated printmaking, drawing, watercolour and pastel as well as oil painting and photography. On his death in Hobart in March 1855 he was described as ‘an artist of a very high order’ whose works ‘adorned the homes of a number of our old colonists and citizens’.

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Artist Biography

early life and conviction

thomas bock, a pivotal figure in australian art, was born in 1790 in sutton coldfield, warwickshire, england. his early life was marked by musical inclinations, as evidenced by his role as a cathedral chorister at lichfield. however, it was not music but art that would eventually define his legacy. convicted of administering drugs to abort a fetus, bock was sentenced to transportation to van diemen's land (now tasmania) in 1823. this pivotal event would set the stage for his future artistic endeavors.

artistic journey in australia

upon arrival in tasmania, bock's skills as an engraver and lithographer were utilized by the colonial secretary's office. his lithographic talents eventually led to a conditional pardon in 1843, marking a significant turning point in his life. post-pardon, bock established a studio in hobart, where he pioneered daguerreotype photography, becoming one of australia's earliest commercial photographers. this innovative spirit is highlighted in his artworks on ArtsDot, showcasing his adaptability and artistic range.

legacy and impact

portraits of colonists remain a testament to bock's photographic prowess, offering a glimpse into australia's formative years.
his early adoption of daguerreotype photography in hobart underscores his innovative spirit and contribution to the evolution of australian art.
bock's story serves as a compelling example of redemption through art, inspiring future generations with his resilience and adaptability.

conclusion

thomas bock's life is a fascinating tale of transformation, from conviction to artistic triumph. his legacy, now preserved in the museum of tasmania, continues to inspire, reflecting the profound impact of his work on australian art history. explore more about thomas bock's life and artworks on ArtsDot, delving into the intricacies of his photographic journey and the lasting impressions he left on the world of art.

Thomas Bock

1790 - 1855 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Daguerreotype photography
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Victorian Era']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['William Bock']
Date Of Birth: 1790
Full Name: Thomas Bock
Nationality: British
Notable Artworks: ['Jessie Robertson']
Place Of Birth: Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom

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