Bungaree's portrait

This lithograph portrait of Bungaree by Augustus Earle was published in Australia in 1826. It was the first portrait print of any person published in Australia - European or Aboriginal.

Bungaree is depicted in his distinctive garb of military clothing and cocked hat. Around his neck is Bungaree's kingplate, presented to him by Governor Macquarie. It reads, 'Bungaree: Chief of the Broken Bay Tribe'. This title was fictitious, but it indicates the regard in which Bungaree was held by Governor and acknowledges his reliance on him as a link between the colonists and the Indigenous people. It also shows a common European lack of understanding of the intricate tribal hierarchies already established amongst the New South Wales traditional people.

In the background of this portrait, behind Bungaree, is Fort Macquarie, designed by convict architect, Francis Greenway.

Bungaree: King of the Aborigines of New South Wales, 1826, by Augustus Earle
Hand coloured lithograph DL Pe 11