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Stereoscopic albumen print photograph, each individual image 80 x 77 mm (arched format), original plain grey mount 84 x 172 mm, verso with fully contemporary inscription in ink 'Circular Quay' (but lacking Hetzer's printed label)and an accompanying contemporary caption in ink 'Circular Quay'; both of the prints are strong and have excellent tonal range; the mount is clean and stable. This rare, very early photographic view of Circular Quay from The Rocks was taken in the first half of 1859 by Sydney photographer William Hetzer. The view looks east across Campbell?s Wharf, where a sailing ship is moored, towards Government House in the distance. Another example, with Hetzer's printed label on the reverse that readsStereoscopic Views of Sydney and Environs by W. Hetzer, Photographic Artist, 287 George Street, Sydney, N.S.W., is held in the Historic Houses Trust'sCaroline Simpson Library & Research Collection. Hetzer had arrived in Sydney from Germany in 1850. With his wife Thekla as his assistant, Hetzer was active as a professional photographer in Sydney from this date until the Hetzers' departure from the colony in 1867. From 1858 Hetzer pioneered the stereoscopic albumen print photograph in Australia, and in 1860 was also among the first Australian photographers to experiment with and promote the carte de visite.His studio premises were located at 287 George Street from 1859. Hetzer's stereoscopic photographs are among the earliest outdoor views of Sydney.He was the first photographer to attempt to make a comprehensive record of the buildings, streetscapes and topography of this rapidly developing metropolis with its distinctive and majestic natural setting. From late 1858 until 1863, Hetzer produced a significant number of such views which proved immensely popular with the public. The series titled Stereoscopic Views of Sydney and Environswas first offered by subscription in September 1858, with an initial set of 36 views. During 1859 Hetzer added to the series; the following journalist's review inThe Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 1859, states that there were 'now upwards of sixty slides' commercially available, which included the present view of Circular Quay, looking east: 'The introduction here ofphotography,bygentlemenwho had attained eminence as artists in other countries, has enabled us to secure, on comparatively easyterms, many enchanting representations oflocalscenery, andpicturesofother subjects, which,but for the cultivationofthat art, wouldbe entirely beyond the reachofall excepta fewofour more affluent citizens. Some monthsago,we introduced to public notice a number of photographic stereoscopic viewsof Sydneyanditsenvirons, just then completedbyMr. W.Hetzer.The series now numbers upwardsofsixty slides, which comprise a successionofviewsforming two or threecomplete panoramas, with many detached picturesofnooks andcornersofbushandrook scenery,ofextreme beautyandinterest. Commencing at the entranceofour noble port,wehave a fine viewoftheGap, which will ever be remembered in connectionwith the lossofthe Dunbar ; then the SouthandNorth Heads, Port Jackson, Watson's Bay ; theharbour from Fort Macquarie, Government House,SydneyCove, the Mariners' Church, Dawes'Battery, Circular Quay (east), bird's-eye viewoftheharbour from Cumberland-street North, also Campbll's Wharf; from the Flagstaffviewsare givenofBalmain, Miller's Point,andParramatta River, Fortstreet,Sydney(east), all the principal churches, theFitz-Roy Dry Dock, at the time H. M. S. Herald wasthere undergoing a thorough overhauling ; the variousbanksandpublic buildings, there being two printsofthe University amongst the number ; from BalmaintwoviewsofSydneyhave been taken ; there is also aviewofBalmainandoneofPyrmont; going downthe harbour again, someofthe baysandindentationsare introduced ; not the least interesting portionofthe series is that which shows the streets, of which six only have been taken as yet, viz.,George-street, Bent-street,andthe Australian C.
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