'An East View of the Great Cataract of Niagara', 1762

Watercolour by Captain Thomas Davies (1737-1812), Royal Artillery, 1762.

This view is the earliest known eyewitness representation of the landscape of Niagara Falls on the border of what is now Canada and the United States. Following his service in the Seven Years War (1756-1763), Davies surveyed the region around the Niagara River and painted several views of waterfalls, including this one of Horseshoe Falls as seen from the Canadian shore. Two Iroquois men stand in the foreground. This First Nation tribe sided with the British against the French during the war.

Purchased with the generous assistance of the Art Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund.