illustrator, made a remarkably sensitive portrait in grey wash of an Aborigine titled Mosquito and Devil’s Hole Tasmania (1868, ML original P2/188), presumably for a book. The figure is doubtless meant to represent Musquito, a NSW tribal leader transported from Sydney to Norfolk Island for rebellious activities, including allegedly murdering a woman. From there he was sent to Van Diemen’s Land where he is said to have discovered the plains of Lawrenny and later become a servant of 'the late Edward Lord’ (after finding his stolen cattle). [David Burn, p.32.] Musquito was hanged in 1825, this is presumably a retrospective view.

One 'J.R.’ also initialled and dated a watercolour, Old Prince’s Bridge at Melbourne, in 1863 (CAG).

It seems likely that the artist was James Rule , who was working as a cartoonist in Hobart, Tas, at precisely this time.

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Writers:

Staff Writer

Date written:

1992

Last updated:

1989