This original engraving is a detailed study of an Aboriginal encampment on Peron Peninsula, Shark Bay, Western Australia. It was issued as a full page engraving in Voyage de Decouvertes aux Terre d'Australes... by Francois Peron and Louis Freycinet, Paris, 1824

This original engraving is a detailed study of an Aboriginal encampment on Peron Peninsula, Shark Bay, Western Australia. It was issued as a full page engraving in Voyage de Decouvertes aux Terre d'Australes... by Francois Peron and Louis Freycinet, Paris, 1824

In 1800 the largest scientific expedition ever to set sail from Europe left France under the command of Nicolas Baudin. On board were botanists, zoologists, astronomers, geographers, mineralogists, gardeners and a pharmacist. Over the next four years 100,000 animal specimens were collected, of which 2,500 were new species. Following the deaths of many scientists and artists en route, assistant gunner Charles Alexandre Lesueur was appointed expedition artist. Here he shows in great detail the traditional shelters of this encampment.