James Macarthur

James Macarthur (1798–1867), landowner and politician, was the fifth child of early colonial pastoralists John and Elizabeth Macarthur. Born at Parramatta, James was tutored at home until 1809, when he travelled to England with his father, who’d been ordered back to London to account for his part in the overthrow of Governor William Bligh in 1808. John Macarthur’s exile lasted eight years, during which James completed his schooling. After returning home he became involved in the family’s various agricultural ventures, and with his brother William he gradually progressed into the role of business and estate manager as his father’s health deteriorated.

The reverse of this silhouette is inscribed ‘J Macarthur Esq. of Camden’ – Camden Park, near Menangle, New South Wales, being the family’s flagship property. This indicates it was made between John Macarthur’s death in 1834, when James and his surviving brothers inherited the bulk of their father’s estate, and the early 1840s, when photography started making silhouette artists redundant. It may have been made during James’ visit to England from 1836 to 1838, when he became engaged and was married.

Purchased 2019