Paintings by Michel-Jean Cazabon (1813-88), Trinidad’s first internationally known artist, were admired in both England and France in the mid-19th century. Plate books featuring his lithographs were produced in the 1850s-’60s, introducing Europeans to the plains of the Caroni swamp, the tropical forests at Chaguaramas and portraits of mulattoes, indentured natives, planters and merchants.
The collection of 44 Cazabon paintings displayed in Belmont, Kent (family seat of George Harris, 3rd Baron Harris and governor of Trinidad from 1848-54) is perhaps the most important visual reference for 19th century Trinidad.
Signed watercolours such as this 10 x 7in (25 x 17cm) example inscribed in pencil View in the Valley of St. Annes, Trinidad, are rare visitors to the auction room. It has an estimate of £8000-10,000 at Gerrards of Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, on February 6-7.
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