The funeral of Rear Admiral Phillip Parker King, 1856

Conrad Martens

Twenty-two Gun Salute

The first day of March 1856 was a grey day with light rain and an occasional atmospheric rumble of thunder as the funeral barge carrying the coffin of Rear-Admiral Phillip Parker King was formally escorted across Sydney Harbour. The Royal Navy ship, Juno, fired the first of the twenty-two gun salute.

King, who was born on Norfolk Island in 1791, had risen to be the first Australian-born to achieve flag rank. He was a noted hydrographer who in four expeditions between 1817 and 1822 had made significant contributions to the charting of Australia. From 1826 to 1830 he commanded Adventure and Beagle in charting the coasts of South America.

Conrad Martens referred to King as ‘my earliest friend in the colony’ and painted this work for King’s widow, Harriet, charging £21. It is in its original frame made by Edwin Baldwin of Sydney.
Display item The funeral of Rear Admiral Phillip Parker King, 1856

 

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