This painting provides a panoramic view of the harbour from above Lavender Bay on the North Shore, with Sydney Cove and Fort Macquarie, centre left. To the right, indicated by the forest of masts, are the rocky foreshores of Darling Harbour, which are yet to be developed.

The date of the painting is confirmed by Conrad Martens’ account book, held by the Library, which lists the sale of Sydney from St. Leonards to Governor Gipps for £15 and 15 shillings on 14 November 1841.