This picture is one of a group of six pencil sketches taken in the environs of Vaucluse House in late November-early December 1869 by Rosalie Ann Thorne (1850-1927), the third daughter of George Thorne and Elizabeth Ann, nee Bisdee, of Claremont, Rose Bay. The sketches are closely related to a series of views by Rebecca Martens (1838-1909) and suggest that the two women went sketching together, with Rebecca Martens in the role of mentor. Rebecca Martens drawings from the same time also include two sketches taken from Claremont. [ref: Joan Kerr, ed.
The dictionary of Australian artists: painters, sketchers, photographers and engravings to 1870 Oxford University Press, 1992, pp.797-798]
This particular sketch is very close in detail and perspective to one by Rebecca Martens dated 26 November 1869 (Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW XDL PX37 f.38) and shows the eastern side of the house, with the kitchen wing in the left foreground flanked by banana trees.
