Items Similar to Diversity of Tanna: Portraits of a Man and Woman from Vanuatu’s Isle, ca.1785
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
Diversity of Tanna: Portraits of a Man and Woman from Vanuatu’s Isle, ca.1785
About the Item
The engraving features two individual portraits side by side, labeled as inhabitants of the island of Tanna, which is part of Vanuatu in the South Pacific.
On the left is "A MAN of the Island of TANNA." He is depicted with a serious, almost stern expression, looking slightly to the side. His facial features are marked by a prominent beard and mustache, and his hair appears long and wavy. This detailed portrayal suggests an effort to capture the unique physical characteristics and possibly the demeanor of the man.
On the right is "A WOMAN of the Island of TANNA." She is shown in a three-quarter view with a gentle expression, looking directly at the viewer. Her hair is styled in tight curls, she wears large hoop earrings, and her clothing drapes softly over her shoulders, indicating a level of adornment and style.
The portraits likely aimed to depict the natural appearance and attire of the people from Tanna as accurately as possible for European audiences of the time. These works often sought to provide a detailed record of the diverse cultures encountered during exploration voyages.
The style of the engraving and the reference to Captain Cook's voyages suggest that it comes from the late 18th century, likely in the period following Cook's final voyage, which ended in 1779. The engravings of Pacific peoples associated with Cook's voyages were often published in the various accounts that proliferated after his travels, as there was a keen interest in the newly contacted peoples of the Pacific.
The text on the engraving says it was "Accurately Engraved for Anderson's Large Folio Edition of the Whole of Capt'n. Cook's Voyages &c. Complete." This indicates that the engraving was made for a specific publication by Anderson, compiling Captain Cook's voyages. George William Anderson is known for his compilation titled "A New, Authentic, and Complete Collection of Voyages Round the World," which was published initially in the 1780s. This collection often included large folio engravings such as this one.
Given this information, we can reasonably estimate that this engraving would have been published sometime in the 1780s. However, without specific publication data, it is not possible to provide an exact year. Such details would typically be found in a library catalog or a database of historical prints.
- Dimensions:Height: 9.65 in (24.5 cm)Width: 14.97 in (38 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:1780-1789
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1785
- Condition:Good condition. Some soiling and minor browning, mostly around the edges. Some edges rough with creases but outsides the images. Study the images carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13597-1021stDibs: LU3054337982792
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
1,965 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
Auctions on 1stDibs
Our timed auctions are an opportunity to bid on extraordinary design. We do not charge a Buyer's Premium and shipping is facilitated by 1stDibs and/or the seller. Plus, all auction purchases are covered by our comprehensive Buyer Protection. Learn More
More From This SellerView All
- Tranquil Repose in the Tropical Landscape of Vanuatu's Tanna Island, 1794Located in Langweer, NLThe engraving is titled "A View in the Island of Tanna," and it was published by Alex Hogg at the King's Arms, No. 16 Paternoster Row, London. The image portrays a serene and idyllic...Category
Antique Late 18th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- View of Tanna Island: A Glimpse into Vanuatu from Cook's Voyages, 1803Located in Langweer, NLAntique print titled 'Gezicht van het Eiland Tanna'. This print depicts a view of Tanna Island, Vanuatu. Originates from 'Reizen rondom de Waereld' by J. Cook. Translated by J.D. Pas...Category
Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Portraits of Indigenous Alaskans from Prince William Sound, Published in ca.1785Located in Langweer, NLThe print is from one of Captain Cook's voyages and likely from one of the three major voyages he undertook between 1768 and 1779. The engravings from these voyages were made by arti...Category
Antique 1780s Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Rapa Nui Gaze: Portraits from Easter Island, Engraved and Published in ca.1785Located in Langweer, NLThe engraving features side-by-side portraits of a woman and a man from Easter Island, known locally as Rapa Nui, famous for its monumental statues known as moai. The left side depi...Category
Antique 1780s Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Serenity at Isle of Pines: A Hodges Engraving of Isle of Youth, Cuba. Circa 1785Located in Langweer, NLThis image is an antique copper engraving with the title "A View in the Island of Pines," created by William Hodges. William Hodges was an English painter who is known for his work a...Category
Antique 1780s Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Print of a Man of the Island of Tanna, New Hebrides, 1803Located in Langweer, NLAntique print titled 'Man van het Eiland Tanna'. Antique print depicting a man of the island of Tanna, New Hebrides. Originates from 'Reizen Rondom de W...Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
MaterialsPaper
You May Also Like
- Antique Framed Japanese Shunga Woodblock Print of a Man and a Woman Making LoveLocated in Yonkers, NYAn antique Japanese Shunga woodblock print in gilt frame depicting a man and a woman making love. Created in Japan, this woodblock print called...Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Prints
MaterialsGlass, Wood, Paint
- Françoise Gilot Lithograph 'Portrait of a Woman', 1951By Françoise GilotLocated in Barcelona, BarcelonaFrançoise Gilot original lithograph 'Portrait of a Woman'. From the poetry book "Pages d'Amour" by André VERDET, editions Raison d'être, 1...Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
MaterialsPaper
- Mid-Century Modern Lithograph Portrait of a WomanLocated in Casteren, Noord-BrabantDecorative art work, a lithograph with a figurative abstract representation. The work is signed in pencil, but this is not clearly legible. The work is framed in a simple gilded wood...Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Pair of 18th French Hand Colored Engravings of a Frisian Man, Woman and ChildBy Jacques Grasset de Saint-SauveurLocated in Stamford, CTPair of depicting 'Homme and Femme de la Frise' or 'Frisian Man and Woman', people of the Frisian Islands off the coast of the Netherlands. The first showing the man in a wonderful n...Category
Antique Early 18th Century French Neoclassical Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Japanese Framed Woodblock Print Depicting a Man and Woman DiscussingLocated in Yonkers, NYAn antique Japanese woodblock print from the 19th century depicting a man and a woman discussing. Created in Japan during the 19th century, this woodblock print showcases an interior scene depicting a man and a woman discussing with each other. The man represented on the left, half hidden behind a screen, is leaning forward on a stool looking at his wide. His head casually resting on his hand confers a sense of intimacy. Facing him and popping subtly from the background thanks to her pink robe...Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Prints
MaterialsGlass, Wood, Paint
- Black & White Lithograph Portrait of a Young Woman in a CircleLocated in Pasadena, CAEnigmatic lithograph depicting the face of a woman. This artwork evokes emotion and mystery, inviting viewers to take an intimate journey into their ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Modern Prints
MaterialsPaper
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
18th Century Portrait Of Woman
William Cook
Antique Earrings 18th Century
Hair Hoop
Library Catalog
Antique Hoop Earrings
Man With A Mustache
George Cook
Hair Adornment
George Beard
Small Glass Door Display Cabinet
Unique Antique Clocks
1950 Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
Ancient Sculpture Carrara Marble
Antique Bow Ring
Antique Bow Rings
Antique Chinese Bottles
Antique Dog House