Bound for Glory: Exquisite Books of French Pacific Voyages
About the exhibition
From 1800 to 1840, there were ten major French voyages to Australia and the Pacific. The main purpose of these was scientific.
In addition to the vast collections of specimens and scientific data they brought back, these voyages are distinguished by the publication of the most sumptuous volumes, which recorded their proceedings and results in both words and exquisite images. Scientists, artists and engravers — attached to the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, and paid by the French Government — worked over many years on the multi-volumed publications recording each voyage.
The State Library of New South Wales holds complete sets of these publications.
Selections from the publications of four of these voyages are on display: Nicolas Baudin (1800–1804); Louis de Freycinet (1817–1820); Louis Isidore Duperrey (1822–1825); and Jules Dumont D’Urville (1826–1829).
Open:
23 October 2006 – 25 February 2007
Picture Gallery, Mitchell Wing
State Library opening hours
Admission: Free