J. van der Gracht (active c. 1913)

Antarctic Coastal profile

Details

J. van der Gracht (active c. 1913)
Antarctic Coastal profile
signed with monogram 'JvdG' (lower right)
pencil and blue crayon, unframed
8¼ x 191in. (21 x 485.1cm.)

Nine Antarctic coastal profiles
six signed with monogram 'JvdG.', one inscribed 'Gezicht op kaap C vit = 1 o mÿÿl naar Z 45° O (waat)' and further inscribed with topographical notes, all laid down on one scrolling sheet, pencil
unframed
9½ x 233in. (24.2 x 591.9cm.)

Three studies in Commonwealth Bay, Antarctica
all inscribed and dated '25 Jan-5 Feb 1913', all inscribed 'C.F. Laseron' on the reverse
pencil, unframed
each 11¾ x 15½in. (29.8 x 39.3cm.)
thirteen (13)

Provenance

C.F. Laseron.
Anon. sale, Christie's, 21 Dec. 1977, lot 124A.

Lot Essay

The profiles and drawings all appear to relate to Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911-14. C.F. Laseron (see provenance) was a member of the Near-East party which set out to 'examine in detail the coast immediately east of Commonwealth Bay, Stillwell [setting] out with Laseron and Close on December 9 [1912] ... During the weeks following till January 5, 1913 ... this Near-East party, as it was called, worked assiduously charting and otherwise investigating the land north of Madigan Nunatak. Along that coast, within a length of twenty-four miles, their chart shows one hundred and fifty small islands - the Way Archipelago. Such remarkable fringes of islets are a feature of portions of the coast of Adelie Land. ... They returned to the Hut well stocked with data and specimens, having successfully accomplished the survey alotted to them.' (Sir D. Mawson, The Home of the Blizzard, Adelaide, 1996, pp. 240-41).

More from Exploration & Travel

View All