The Macdonald River at Wisemans Ferry has been a subject which fascinated Martens for more than 30 years. The earlier impressions of this area include View Macdonald River now in the National Gallery of Victoria collection, and the impressive oil The Macdonald River, Wisemans Road painted in 1840, later presented to the Dixson Library by Sir William Dixson. This large watercolour was commissioned by Henry Dangar, the then Assistant Surveyor of Lands. Dangar, after whom Dangar Island in the Hawkesbury River is named, was credited for the layout of streets in the New South Wales city of Newcastle. This watercolour has remained in the family since it was executed on 9 November 1869