Hermine David Art

"Poulaho, King of the Friendly Islands, Drinking Kava" is an engraving created by William Sharp (1749-1824), from a drawing by John Webber (1752-1793), who was the artist on Captain James Cook's 3rd and final voyage of discovery. It was published in the atlas of "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean Undertaken by the Command of His Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere", the official British Admirality sanctioned journal published upon completion of the voyage in London in 1784 by Strahan & Cadell. Captain Cook visited Tonga on his 3rd voyage, which he named The Friendly Islands because of the warm welcome he and his crew received, unlike some of the other more hostile Pacific islands. The engraving depicts Cook and his men observed a kava ceremony at the village of Mu’a on Tongatapu. King Paulaho sits in the centre foreground, his back to the spectator with a man kneeling before him. The ceremonial mat depicted behind Paulaho indicates that nobody was allowed to sit behind him. The figure in the centre holds a single cup, referring to the Tongan custom of offering the cup to the king first. Kava is native to the islands of the South Pacific and was first described for English readers in 1768 by Captain James Cook. The kava root has been used for centuries as a central feature of ceremonies and celebrations because it was able to bring about a calming and pleasant social atmosphere. The root was crushed and processed into coconut milk to become the focal ceremonial beverage, simply referred to as kava. This engraving is presented in a Koa wood frame and a white mat. Koa wood is legendary in Hawaii. There are occasional faint spots, but the print is otherwise in very good condition. This amazing Koa wood is native to Hawaii and it is known for the deep rich colors and varied grain pattern. Koa has an honored heritage in Hawaii and is highly revered and sacred. The word “koa” means “warrior” in Hawaiian. The warriors of King Kamehameha the Great, created canoes and weapons from a wood plentiful on the Big Island of Hawaii. This wood became synonymous with the warriors themselves, and it became known as koa. There are three other engravings listed from the official journal of Captain Cook's 3rd voyage available that are presented in identical Koa wood frames and mats (LU117324682422, LU117324684052, LU117324684032). They would make a wonderful grouping for a display of 2, 3 or 4 prints. A discount is available for a grouping depending on the number of items included. Captain Cook is remembered as one of the greatest explorers and navigators in history. His explorations included Australia, New Zealand and islands of the South Pacific and the northwest coast of North America. Hawaii was discovered by Captain Cook during this voyage. Hawaii was originally called The Sandwich Islands in honor of The Earl of Sandwich...

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original circa 1930's Belgium oil on canvas of young boy smoking which is part of a suite Please note the delivery fee listed is jus...

Oil on canvas portrait of a setter or golden retriever signed Clarence E. Braley, a Massachusetts artist (1854-1927).

Original oil on canvas laid on board, coastal scene with vibrant sunset. Signed and dated AW, 1918. Artist: Albert Wang (b. Horsens 1864, d. Hellerup 1930) Condition: May benefit from surface cleaning. Minor retouches. Please refer to professional photos to clearly understand finish, details, condition, etc. With over 37 years of experience selling European antiques, our brick-and-mortar storefront, Round Top Ranch...

This is a sensitive small-scale study portrait of a young girl, executed in warm monochrome brown tones. Painted during the second half of the 19th century, oil on paper and mounted ...

Oil on canvas, orientalist scene, signed Louis Saphier. This lovely painting was executed around 1920. Louis Saphier was active and lived in both New Yor...

SEGUY, E[ugene] A[lain]. Insectes. Paris, Du Chartre et van Buggenhoudt [1924] Each print is produced entirely by hand using a unique printing process called pochoir, which was p...

A fine small plein air study of three women picking flowers on the meadow next to white cliffs and sea. In the horizon where the sky ends, the contours of mainland is visible as a sh...

Giovanni Domenico Campiglia, 'Bacchus Cumampelo', engraving, 1734, edition unknown. Signed 'Dom. Campiglia del.' in the plate, lower left. Engraving by Gabbugiani, after the original...

French landscape oil on canvas in gilt frame. Signed by artist. A. Mazar. Mid 19th Century

Pencil, coloured pencil and chalk on paper, titled (lower left), signed (lower right), 31cm x 46cm, (51cm x 68cm framed). John Koch was an American painter and teacher, and an impo...

This beautiful oil sketch, painted en plein air, was created by Swedish artist Olof Arborelius during his stay in Italy from the fall of 1870 until January 1872. The painting features a charming depiction of ancient Roman ruins—either a city wall or an aqueduct—surrounded by lush trees under the clear Italian sky. With loose brushstrokes and a soft, atmospheric touch, the artist captures the natural light and Mediterranean ambiance, demonstrating his profound understanding of plein air painting. Arborelius was heavily influenced by French artistic trends of the time, particularly in his color sensitivity and study of light and air. His time in Italy was critical for his artistic development, marking the height of his mastery in capturing the delicate interplay of light, color, and atmosphere. Several of Arborelius’ Italian oil studies, including similar small-format plein air works, were later exhibited at various prestigious exhibitions. These include the Svenska konstnärernas förening memorial exhibition in 1910, the Svensk-Franska Konstgalleriet in Stockholm in 1931, and a memorial exhibition at the Nationalmuseum in 1943. Viggo Loos praised Arborelius' Italian studies for their "sensitivity to color" and "intense exploration of light and atmosphere," highlighting these works as a high point in the artist's career. Loos emphasized how Arborelius skillfully captured the essence of the Mediterranean landscape, using vibrant tones and delicate brushwork to convey the interplay of light and air. Moreover, Folke Holmér, the curator of Arborelius’ 1943 memorial exhibition, described his Italian sketches as some of the most painterly pieces of his early production, worthy of comparison with the best works Swedish artists had produced in Italy. Among his notable works in major collections are three of his Italian oil studies held at the Nationalmuseum: View from Rome Towards the Arch of Septimius Severus...