Sydney from Sandy [Rose] Bay1840

The title of this view from Rose Bay (often called Sandy Bay at this time), is taken from Conrad Martens’ account book of 21 January 1840, which records that it was sold to ‘Icely Esq.’ for £15. Pastoralist and politician Thomas Icely held land in the area and, from 1838 to 1839, he briefly owned Lindesay, a grand villa at nearby Darling Point.

Martens’ clientele was mostly drawn from the colony’s social elite, including governors, politicians, the judiciary, leading families, clergymen and merchants. He painted watercolours and oils of their estates, as well as landscape views, and was particularly attracted to the rugged beauty of Sydney’s inner Eastern Suburbs.