Sydney from Governor Bourke’s statue, on the edge of the Inner Domain, circa 1859.

A$1,750 · Offered by Douglas Stewart Fine Books

Stereoscopic albumen print photograph, each individual image 80 x 77 mm (arched format), original plain greyish buff mount 84 x 172 mm, verso with contemporary caption in ink Sydney from the Domain ; both albumen prints are in fine condition, with good tonal range and sharp detail; the mount is free from foxing. This view, looking west across Macquarie Street to Bent Street, was taken by William Hetzer from a specially constructed platform at the top of Governor Bourke s statue, on the edge of what was known as the Inner Domain (now the entrance to the Royal Botanic Gardens). On the north corner of Bent Street stands the Public Subscription Library. Hetzer had arrived in Sydney from Germany in 1850. With his wife Thekla as his assistant, Hetzer was active as a professional photographer in Sydney from this date until the Hetzers departure from the colony in 1867. From 1858 Hetzer pioneered the stereoscopic albumen print photograph in Australia, and in 1860 was also among the first Australian photographers to experiment with and promote the carte de visite. His studio premises were located at 287 George Street from 1859. Hetzer s stereoscopic photographs are among the earliest outdoor views of Sydney. He was the first photographer to attempt to make a comprehensive record of the buildings, streetscapes and topography of this rapidly developing metropolis with its distinctive and majestic natural setting. From late 1858 until 1863, Hetzer produced a significant number of such vi

• Binding: Hardcover

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