Gorringe's Spring Fine Sale - 12th March 2024 starting 10am

THE VOYAGE SKETCHBOOK
The current sketchbook represents a valuable
addition to her existing body of work, providing a
modest visual documentation of the journey to India
undertaken by the party. This journey is primarily
documented through her published writings and
some unpublished letters of her sister Fanny Eden.
References to her sketching activities in these
letters suggest the possibility of additional drawings
and watercolors by Emily during the voyage, some
of which may not have survived. For instance, in a
letter dated December 12, 1835, she mentions
having produced numerous sketches while at Rio,
expressing intent to potentially send a book filled
with them to someone who appreciates such works.
However, she notes the difficulty of completing them
satisfactorily due to the instability of the
environment. Despite initial discomfort, she later
attests to overcoming seasickness and continuing
her artistic pursuits, alleviating some of her earlier
unhappiness.
The expedition led by the Governor-General,
departed from Portsmouth aboard the naval frigate
Jupiter, under the command of Captain Grey, on
October 3, 1835, consisted of Emily, her sister
Fanny, their nephew William Godolphin Osborne
(Lord Auckland’s Military Secretary, captured in a
notable watercolour by Emily within the album), six
servants, and the physician, Dr. Drummond. Emily
brought along her spaniel, Chance, evidenced by
three pencil sketches likely depicting her beloved
pet, while William accompanied them with his six
greyhounds. Enduring a seasick ten days, they
reached Madeira on Tuesday, October 13, as
described in Emily’s letter of October 14, 1835,
expressing admiration for the island’s beauty with its
tropical allure, though remarking on its resemblance
to a fantastical travel narrative. During their stay,
they lodged with Mr. Stothard, a wine merchant in
Funchal, and explored the local attractions, captured
in three watercolour illustrations in the album, before
continuing their journey to Rio de Janeiro on Friday,
October 16. Crossing the equator on November 13,
they arrived at the harbour in Rio de Janeiro three
days later.
They explored downtown Rio de Janeiro,
documented in a panoramic brown wash drawing
across two sheets depicting the renowned Lapa
aqueduct district, as well as in a street scene. They
also visited the acclaimed Botanical Gardens,
captured in a sketch featuring three slave children.
Emily’s letter dated November 17, 1835, describes
their arrival in Rio de Janeiro, praising the beauty of
the place despite initial doubts about the journey.
The bustling harbour, filled with ships and adorned
with flags, greeted them as they embarked on visits
to local authorities. Despite the prevalent dirtiness of
the town, it proved more engaging than their
previous stop in Funchal. Notably, the majority of the
population consisted of slaves, a fact that initially
sparked surprise but soon became commonplace.
They were hosted for an early dinner by the Admiral
aboard the Dublin before setting off in hired
carriages to explore the Botanical Gardens,
surrounded by magnificent scenery. Captain Grey
later led them on a memorable ride into the cooler
Tijuca forest above the town, where they marveled
at the natural beauty of the landscape, including
clouds, mountains, trees, butterflies, and the overall
atmosphere. This experience left them thoroughly
enchanted. On November 21, they departed for the
Cape.
The frigate encountered a gale approximately one
week after departing from Rio de Janeiro, but
favourable winds swiftly propelled them to Table Bay
in a mere twenty-three days. Emily’s letter of
December 16, 1835, recounts their safe arrival in
Cape Town on a Monday afternoon, where they
settled in a satisfactory house despite being plagued
by various insects and enduring intense heat until
the afternoon. They enjoyed excursions into the
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