Photograph, Agave Americana plant with view of Anglican and Presbyterian Churches in background, Bacchus Marsh 1883

Historical information

This image appears to have been created to depict this good size Agave Americana plant, also known as the 'Century Plant'. Agaves are an introduced species to Australia. Their local propagation in Victoria is mentioned in Victorian newspapers as early as the 1850s. By the 1870s they appear to have become fairly common but still relatively novel. The side by side view of the Holy Trinity Anglican and Saint Andrews Presbyterian Churches forms an interesting frame for this botanical study. On the far right of the image in the background can be seen the Presbyterian Church Manse built in 1858 and demolished in the 20th century.

Physical description

Small sepia 'carte de viste' style unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the Jeremeas Family Album which contains photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by the photographers Stevenson and McNicoll. In the foreground of this image is an Agave Americana plant growing alongside a post and rail fence. In the background can be seen the Anglican Holy Trinity Church on the left and Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church on the right.

Inscriptions & markings

Printed
On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME.
On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun.
Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE.

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