Gibraltar Rocks, Arthursleigh1839

In August 1836 Conrad Martens travelled widely across the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, in search of picturesque subject matter for his paintings, and no doubt, potential commissions from the district’s new landowners.

Now known as Mount Gibraltar, and located just outside Bowral, the view was taken on the extensive estate of Arthursleigh. When this painting was purchased by Hannibal Hawkins Macarthur in 1839, Arthursleigh comprised nearly 20,000 acres (8000 hectares).

Two Aboriginal figures sit in the foreground of this painting, a reminder of the first owners of this country.