John Lewin Paintings

John Lewin was an English-born artist and the first professional artist to settle in Australia. Born in England in 1770, Lewin was the son of a professional scientific artist. He developed a deep interest in natural history and art from a young age, which shaped his career. In pursuit of his interests, Lewin arrived in Australia in 1800, initially with the intent to document Australian bird species for a British patron. However, upon his patron's death, Lewin decided to settle in the colony of New South Wales permanently.

In the early years of the 19th century, Australia was still a relatively new British colony, and Lewin quickly established himself as a prominent figure in its emerging art scene. His works primarily consisted of watercolors and drawings, focusing on the unique flora and fauna of Australia. His publication 'Birds of New South Wales' in 1808 was the first illustrated book on Australian natural history produced entirely in the colony. This work, along with his other illustrations, played a significant role in introducing the European public to the exotic wildlife of Australia.

Lewin's contribution to Australian art and natural history was significant. He worked closely with the colony's scientific community, providing illustrations for important scientific works and collections. His dedication to accuracy and detail in his depictions of plants, animals, and insects made his work valuable not only artistically but also scientifically. Sadly, Lewin's life was relatively short; he died in Sydney in 1819. His legacy, however, endured through his contributions to the documentation of Australian biodiversity and his influence on later artists in Australia who followed in his footsteps.