F. E.

  • Artist (Printmaker), (Cartoonist / Illustrator)
Colonial political cartoonist or lithographer of political cartoons. In a lithographic caricature of Robert Brough Smyth, F. E. satirised him in his capacity as Secretary of the Board for the Protection of Aborigines.
Talk | Version history | Updated Oct. 19, 2011 | Created Jan. 1, 1996
Name
F. E.
Gender
Unknown
Roles
  • Artist (Printmaker)
  • Artist (Cartoonist / Illustrator)
Active Period
  • c.1876
Languages
  • English
Is Indigenous
No
Initial Record Data Source
  • Black and white artists

Cartoonist or lithographer, signed a lithographic caricature of Robert Brough Smyth (1830-89) entitled The “Mia-Mia” Department, or “King Bob” & His “Native Weapons” and dated 1876 (LT SLV), 'F.E./.76’. Satirising Smyth in his capacity as Secretary of the Board for the Protection of Aborigines, it shows him holding Aboriginal artefacts labelled 'bulying’ [ sic : according to SLV website], 'abuse’ and 'servility’. The library notes: 'Appointed Victorian Secretary for Mines in 1860, in 1876 an inquiry was held “into the despotic conduct of Smyth towards his subordinates” and after a series of sittings, Smyth tendered his resignation from the service. He was also criticised by the press for gathering aboriginal artefacts at a time when such vestiges were fast disappearing.’

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Writers:
Kerr, Joan
Date written:
1996
Last updated:
2007
The "Mia-Mia" Department, or "King Bob" & His "Native Weapons"
Date
1876
Collections
Citations: