Drawing, Coranderrk, Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia, 1863 - 1875

This work on paper is by nineteenth century Aboriginal artist, Korkanoon or Koorook-Koonong, also known as Timothy (born around 1830 and died 1875). It comprises 2 separate sheets of paper and the work is either two separate works or a single work on two sheets of paper glued to a single backing board. It comprises 7 scenes in total. Timothy was a contemporary of fellow Wurundjeri leaders at Coranderrk, Simon Wonga (born about 1824 and died 1874) and William Barak (born about 1824 and died 1903. While photographer Charles Walter noted that Timothy was the 'son of the former king of the Yarra Tribe', it is not clear how he was related to either Wonga or Barak, both of whom were nguruungaeta of the Wurundjeri-balluk clan. This work likely predates that of Barak; however the bearded men in the lower right panel bear a striking resemblance to those portrayed in corroboree paintings produced by Barak. The hunting scenes are reminiscent of another of Timothy's contemporaries, Tommy McRae, who started his pen and ink sketches in the 1860s. Note the unusual inclusion of the dog amongst the party hunting kangaroo on the right. The most extraordinary element is the top panel that appears to depict an eclipse or other lunar phenomenon.The artist has signed his work with the words 'Timothy Coranderrk' written next to an image of a man in a squatting position. This image may represent a self-portrait.