| Place | Africa: South Africa |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART93403 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Overall: 45.8 x 35.2 cm |
| Object type | |
| Physical description | colour print on board with loose cardboard frame attached |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c.1899-1902 |
| Conflict |
South Africa, 1899-1902 (Boer War) |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Cape Colony
Description
The congeniality of domestic family life in the Georgian/Victorian period is captured in this print relating to the Boer War period (1899 - 1902). The family is gathered around the patriarchal figure dressed in military uniform, either depicting the home coming or the departure for military action. The title of the work 'Cape Colony' is taken from the map of South Africa depicted on the wall of this domestic interior. In October 1899 the Boers invaded Cape Colony, a British colonial outpost since 1806. Over 12,000 Australian volunteers fought in the Boer War from 1899 to 1902 from six colonial contingencies. Many more Australians who were overseas, including those who were already working in South Africa, joined British and South African colonial units.