Georgiana McCrae, Self-portrait, Aged 20, 1824, watercolour on ivory, Bequest of Lady Cowper, 1988, H89.181/3

Georgiana McCrae was a significant figure in the early days of settlement in Victoria, and is recognised as an important artist for her fine watercolours and miniatures. Born in London on 15 March 1804, she studied at the Royal Academy and later earned her living as a professional portrait painter in Edinburgh. In 1830 she married Andrew Murison McCrae, before he migrated to Australia in 1839. Georgiana and their four children joined him in March 1841.