Two paintings of the Tomb of Father Receveur and the La Perouse Monument at Botany Bay by F. C. Terry mark the end of a significant episode in the exploration and scientific research of the Pacific in the late 18th century, extending from the arrival of the First Fleet at Botany Bay in January 1788 to the great international exhibitions in Europe starting in 1851. The paintings show the tomb of Father Receveur, the first scientist to be buried in Australia, and the monument erected to the La Pérouse expedition, marking the last contact with the two French ships of that expedition, wrecked on the island of Vanikoro in May/June 1788 after sailing from Botany Bay.