John Webber Folk Art

A pair of fine engravings of two Swedish monarchs by Samuel Blessendorf for Puffendorf’s History of Sweden, in antique birch frames, 1663 and 1696. Engravings of Swedish King Karl X Gustav (b. 1622 - d. 1660) dated 1663 and his successor, King Karl XI (b. 1655 - d. 1697) from 1696 by Samuel Blessendorf, a Prussian enamel painter and engraver, born in Berlin in 1670. He designed and engraved these portraits for Puffendorf’s History of Sweden by Freiherr Samuel von Pufendorf (1632-1694), Historiographer to King Karl X of Sweden. Freiherr Samuel von Pufendorf (b 1632 – d 1694) was a German jurist, political philosopher, economist and historian. He was born Samuel Pufendorf and ennobled in 1684 when he was made a baron by Charles XI of Sweden a few months before his death at age 62. Among his achievements are his commentaries and revisions of the natural law theories of Thomas Hobbes...

Religious Ceremony of the Inhabitants of the Island of Hispaniola, 1734 Description: This vividly hand-colored copperplate engraving, issued in 1734 in Bernard Picart’s monumental w...

New Zealand, Antique Map, Pacific Islands, Sandwich Islands, Blackie Atlas 1860 Description: This original antique map titled New Zealand presents a detailed mid-19th-century view of New Zealand, accompanied by inset maps of the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii), the Galapagos Islands, and the Papuan Archipelago. It originates from The Imperial Atlas of Modern Geography and was published in 1860 by W. G. Blackie, one of the most respected British atlas publishers of the period. The main map depicts both the North and South Islands of New Zealand with finely engraved coastal outlines, mountain ranges, rivers, settlements, and regional divisions. Early place names and geographic features reflect contemporary European exploration and colonial knowledge, making the map an important historical document of New Zealand’s cartographic development during the 19th century. To the right, the additional Pacific island groups are shown in separate panels, each carefully delineated and subtly hand-colored. These inset maps broaden the geographical scope of the sheet, illustrating Britain’s growing interest in the wider Pacific world. The restrained original hand coloring helps distinguish coastlines and island groups while maintaining a calm, elegant appearance. The overall layout is balanced and visually engaging, combining dense geographic information with generous open areas of sea. This makes the map particularly attractive both as a collectible reference piece and as decorative wall art. Its horizontal format works well in interiors, especially for collectors or designers drawn to maritime history, exploration, and Pacific geography. Condition report: Good antique condition. Light overall age toning consistent with period. Minor scattered foxing and faint handling marks, primarily in the margins. Original central fold as issued. No major tears or losses. Framing tips: A wide ivory or warm cream mat will enhance the engraved detail and original coloring. A dark walnut, black, or understated antique gilt frame complements the map’s academic and exploratory character. Museum or UV-protective glass is recommended. Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring Maker: W. G. Blackie, Scotland, 1860 Keywords: New Zealand map...

Antique costume print titled 'Loutchou'. Original antique print of a man of the Lou-Tchou Islands (RyuKyu Islands or modern Okinawa). This print originates from 'Moeurs, usages et co...

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. C...

Antique Costume Print of Tattooed Man from Byron Island, 1854 This striking hand-colored lithograph, published in 1854 in Album des Voyages Anciens et Modernes by Martial Ardant Frè...

Antique costume print titled 'Habitant de l'Ile Lou-Tchou (Asie)'. Original antique print of a man of the Lou-Tchou Islands. This print originates from 'Moeurs, usages et costumes de...

Antique print titled 'De Straat Le Maire tusschen Tierra del Fuego en Staaten Land.' 'De Westzyde van 't Staaten Eiland.' Coastal views of Staten Island and Tierra del Fuego on the A...

Antique print titled 'De Straat Le Maire tusschen Tierra del Fuego en Staaten Land.' 'De Westzyde van 't Staaten Eiland.' Coastal views of Staten Island and Tierra del Fuego on the A...

This framed antique and reverse printed panel was produced in England in the early 20th century by an unknown maker to commemorate the death of Admiral Lord Nelson...

Antique 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...

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 ...