Title

Plate 20: Mount Kosciusko from the north west, New South Wales. [by Eugene von Guérard].

Author

Author not identified

Source

[Not applicable]

Publication date

1868

Type

About the work

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Full text

Plate 20: Mount Kosciusko from the north west, New South Wales.

The point of view chosen by the artist in this instance, is the eastern slope of the Mount Hope Ranges, so that the spectator surveys the north-west side of Mount Kosciusko and obtains a tolerably clear comprehension of its enormous bulk. The dense forests which envelope its huge surface are as gigantic in their character as the mountain itself, and do not terminate at a lower elevation than 6,500 feet, or within 700 feet of the loftiest peak. Full of magnificent timber, they offer to the naturalist and landscape painter endless themes for study, while their value in an economic view will not be appreciated until they are brought within the range of human settlement. At present, though distant from Melbourne little more than a hundred miles as the crow flies, this romantic district is only accessible by devious and difficult routes, on horseback, and under the conduct of an experienced guide. But arduous as is the journey, and numerous as are the risks and hardships which have to be encountered, the tourist or artist finds himself richly repaid by the enchanting beauty of the scenery, and the grandeur of the mountain range which constitutes Its most impressive feature. The first sight of it produces the same effect upon the mind as the first sight of the Bearnese Alps, and dwells as durably in the memory.

Accompanying text, 1868.