Nicolas Thomas Baudin (1754–1803), cartographic surveyor and naturalist, was sent by the French government to survey the coast of Australia in 1800. Following several previous French expeditions, Baudin came with two ships – Le Géographe and Le Naturaliste – and twenty-two scientists, and efficiently mapped stretches of Australia’s western and southern coastline and Tasmania. Along the way, he collected many specimens for classification and documented the cultures of Indigenous Tasmanians. In 1802, Baudin’s expedition crossed paths with that of English navigator Matthew Flinders at Encounter Bay, South Australia. The following year, on his homeward journey to France, Baudin died at Mauritius. Louis-Claude Desaulses De Freycinet, who had partnered Baudin on the expedition, published his account of the survey in 1812, ahead of Flinders whose own account was delayed by his detainment at Mauritius. Although the purpose of Baudin’s survey was scientific, the journey was sufficient to encourage further French expeditions to explore the viability of colonising Western Australia.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2015
The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the
Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a
Reproduction request. For further information please contact
NPG Copyright.
