Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7

Portraits of Nobility from the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii), Published circa 1790

About the Item

This original antique engraving is a set of two portraits side by side from "A New, Royal, Authentic and Complete System of Universal Geography, Antient and Modern" published by C. Cooke around 1790. The left portrait is labeled "A Man of the Sandwich Islands" and the right one "A Woman of the Sandwich Islands." These islands are now known as the Hawaiian Islands. The man is depicted with a feathered headdress that includes white and dark horizontal stripes, possibly indicating status or role within his community. His facial expression is solemn, and he has a beard and mustache. He wears a cloak or mantle with a visible pattern, and his ears appear to be elongated, possibly adorned with earrings. The woman has her hair styled upwards and outwards, and she wears a headband with a feathered ornament. She also has a necklace that appears to be made of flowers or shells. Her attire includes a draped garment that leaves her shoulders bare. Both engravings exhibit detailed linework typical of the period's printmaking techniques. The attention to facial features and adornments suggests an effort to portray individuals of high status or particular cultural significance from the Sandwich Islands during the era of European exploration and early contact with Pacific islands. The inscription "Woollett Sculp" in the context of an engraving usually indicates the person who sculpted or engraved the image. "Sculp" is an abbreviation of "sculpsit," a Latin term used in art to mean "he (or she) engraved" or "created by engraving." William Woollett was a well-known English engraver who lived from 1735 to 1785. He was particularly famous for his engravings of landscapes and historical scenes. If his name is associated with these engravings, it suggests that he was the engraver responsible for creating these images. Given that Woollett passed away in 1785 and the publication is from around 1790, it's possible that these engravings were some of his later works, or they could have been published posthumously. Woollett's engravings were highly regarded, and his style was characterized by its fine detail and the ability to convey textures and depth, which would be consistent with the quality observed in the provided image.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.06 in (23 cm)Width: 14.18 in (36 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1790
  • Condition:
    Good. Aged paper with typically warm, yellowish-brown hue, mostly around the edges. The bottom edge cut short and a bit rough. Study the images carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13597-801stDibs: LU3054337946272
More From This SellerView All
  • Regalia of the Sandwich Islands: Portraits in Traditional Attire, 1790
    Located in Langweer, NL
    This engraving, published in London by Alex Hogg at the Kings Arms, No.16 Paternoster Row, features two side-by-side portraits with the labels "Portrait of ...
    Category

    Antique Late 18th Century Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • A Boxing Match, in Hapaee, One of the Hawaii Islands, circa 1780
    Located in Langweer, NL
    John Webber created the engraving titled "A Boxing Match, in Hapaee, one of the Friendly Islands." Webber was indeed an artist who accompanied Captain James Cook on his third voyage ...
    Category

    Antique Late 18th Century Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Antique Print of Inhabitants of the Region of the Sandwich Islands by Ferrario
    Located in Langweer, NL
    Original antique print of various inhabitants of the region of the Sandwich Islands ('Capi ell'isola Mowé'). This print originates from 'Costume Antico e Moderno: Palestine, China, I...
    Category

    Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Ceremonial Tribute to Captain Cook in the Hawaiian Archipelago, circa 1790
    Located in Langweer, NL
    Title: "Ceremonial Tribute to Captain Cook in the Hawaiian Archipelago" Description: This antique print depicts a scene titled "An Offering before Capt'n Cook in the Sandwich Island...
    Category

    Antique Late 18th Century Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Voyage to the Pacific: Hawaiian War Canoe in Action, circa 1790
    Located in Langweer, NL
    The engraving captures a moment of traditional Hawaiian life, portraying native Hawaiians maneuvering a war canoe. The presence of traditional masks emphasizes the cultural significa...
    Category

    Antique Late 18th Century Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Antique Print depicting Tools of the Sandwich Islands by Cook '1803'
    Located in Langweer, NL
    Antique print titled 'Werktuigen van de Sandiwch-Eilanders'. This print depicts various tools of the Inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands. Originates f...
    Category

    Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Prints

    Materials

    Paper

You May Also Like
  • Man of the Sandwich Islands, with His Helmet J. Webber del. J.K. Sherwin Sc.
    By John Webber
    Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
    An English 18 century engraving titled "Man of the Sandwich Islands, with his helmet " signed .J. Webber del. J.K. Sherwin sc. The subject was sketched in the 1770s by J.K Sherwin S,...
    Category

    Antique Late 18th Century English British Colonial Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Set of 7 Original Antique Prints of Portraits From Classical Rome. C.1790
    Located in St Annes, Lancashire
    Glorious set of 7 portrait prints. Important figures, male and female from ancient Rome. On beautiful laid paper. Copper-plate engravings Published C.1790 Unframed. T...
    Category

    Antique 1790s English Classical Roman Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Original Antique Print of Papyrus Grass, Circa 1790
    Located in St Annes, Lancashire
    Great image of papyrus grass Copper-plate engraving Published C.1790 Unframed.
    Category

    Antique 1790s English Georgian Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Engraving on Copper Print from the Volume Navigazione Nautical Subject 1790
    Located in Milan, IT
    Print by engraving on copper plate Tav III TIX fig. 17-22 from the volume Navigazione; with frame 28 x 33. Some calculations are depicted. Very good condition. Shipping is insured by...
    Category

    Antique 1790s Italian Nautical Objects

    Materials

    Paper

  • Original Antique Map of Spain and Portugal, circa 1790
    Located in St Annes, Lancashire
    Super map of Spain and Portugal Copper plate engraving by A. Bell Published, circa 1790. Unframed.  
    Category

    Antique 1790s English Other Maps

    Materials

    Paper

  • Pair of Large Scale Original Antique Architectural Prints, Circa 1790
    Located in St Annes, Lancashire
    Wonderful pair of architectural prints. Copper-plate engravings by J.Newton after designs by Vetruvius Published C.1790 Unframed and not matted.
    Category

    Antique 1790s English Classical Roman Prints

    Materials

    Paper

Recently Viewed

View All