Collection Item
Robertson Royal Menagerie – 9 Strand c 1820
In the early 19th century travelling menageries, along with the fairground and travelling theatres and circuses, were a popular entertainment for the general public. In this travelling menagerie, temporarily located in London, exotic animals have been collected and displayed in two rows of small cages. In a darkened corner at the rear are two kangaroos, along with an emu, pelican and elephant.
The assorted spectators include men, women, children and a soldier from a Scottish Highlander regiment. Their responses to the animals are mixed; some are fearful, some interested, and some are actively baiting the caged animals.
Collection Item Type:
Oil on canvas
Call Number:
ML 1354
Published date:
c 1820
On display:
Exhibition Galleries
Copyright Information:
Out of copyright: Creator died before 1955
Please acknowledge: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Display Location:
Exhibition Galleries
Historical Dates
Started
Saturday, 1 January 1820
Finished
Thursday, 31 December 1829