Louis Rey. 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...

Giovanni Domenico Campiglia, 'Dei Praestitis Signumexaere' (God's Providence Signumexaere), engraving, 1734, edition unknown. Signed 'Dom. Campiglia del.' in the plate, lower left. E...

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

Etching, drypoint, and roulette on watermarked Hallines cream laid paper, 3 3/4 x 5 7/8 inches (95 x 148 mm), full margins. A very good impression of this charming image, with all of...

The Ayase River and Kanegafuchi, Summer, One Hundred Famous Views of Edo Summer on the Ayase River by Hiroshige (Ando) Utagawa (Japan, 1797 - 1858 ). Woodcut circa 1856. Ima...

Rare Engraving "Cabane Des Hold, Terres Artiques, Fig CII," 1st edition "Description de l’Univers, page 281 This rare image depicts the Willem Barentsz expedition of 1597 to Novaya Zemlya, Russia. The engraving, with later hand-coloring, shows the cabin and ship of the Dutch arctic expedition of Barentsz on Novaya Zemlya (Nova Zembla), with the party being attacked (and in some cases apparently eaten) by bears and wolves. Dutch explorer, Willem Barentsz, reached the west coast of Novaya Zemlya in 1594, and in a subsequent expedition of 1596 rounded the northern point and wintered on the northeast coast. Barentsz died during the expedition, and may have been buried on the northern island. This artwork is a page from a book by 17th century cartographer and engineer, Allain Manesson Mallet (French, 1630-1706), "Description de L'Univers, contenant les differents systêmes du monde, les cartes générals et particulières de la géographie ancienne et modern." Paris: Denys Thierry, 1683. Presented in an cream colored mat. Text on verso shown in images. Mat Size: 11.5"H x 9.07"W Paper Size: 8.25"H x 5.44"W Image Size: 5.63"H x 3.75"W Alain Manesson Mallet (French, 1630-1706) was a 17th century cartographer and military engineer. He started his career as a musketeer in the army of Louis XIV, became a Sergeant-Major in the artillery and an Inspector of Fortifications. He later served under Alfonso VI, King of Portugal...

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

This artwork Busy Street, Vienna" c. 1970 is a color etching by noted Austrian artist Robert Kasimir, 1914-2002. It is signed at the lower center in penci...

This artwork titled "Good Memories, Home 1982" 1982 is an color etching by noted Austrian artist Josef Eidenberger, 1899-1991. It is hand signed, titled, dated and resigned a second time in pencil by the artist. The plate mark size is 10.25 x 7 inches, framed size is 18 x 14.10 inches. Custom framed in a wood and silver color frame, with green matting and brown filet. It is in excellent condition. About the artist. Josef Eidenberger was born in 1899 in the little town of Goisern, Austria,he began his artistic career as a landscape painter. In 1923 he enrolled in the famed Graphic Academy of Art in Vienna and studied under Professor Alfred Cossman. His recognized talent brought him many commissions from city officials and members of the business communities throughout Europe, especially in Austria and Germany. In 1973 after visiting the United States for the first time he created a series of California etchings...

This artwork titled "Cityscape" c.1930 is an original color etching on wove paper by Austrian/American artist Tana Kasimir Hoernes, 1887-1972. It is hand signed in pencil by the artist. The image (plate mark) size is 12.75 x 9.15 inches, framed size is 19.35 x 15.25 inches. Custom framed in a silver with brown patina frame, with light grey matting and green and red filet. It is in excellent condition, About the artist: Tanna Kasimir...

George Andreas Böckler, 'SunBurst Garden Fountain', antique copperplate engraving, 1664, from the book 'Architectura Curiosa Nova'. A fine, richly inked...

"Peaceful Cove - New England" is an original lithograph by Adolf Dehn. The artist signed the piece lower right. It depicts an aerial view of New England. 9 1/2" x 13" image 11" x 15" paper 17" x 20 5/8" frame Adolf Dehn was born in Minnesota, November 22, 1895 and he died in New York City, May 19 1968. He was one of the most notable lithographers of the 20th century. Throughout his artistic career, Dehn participated in and helped define some important movements in American art, including Regionalism, Social Realism, and caricature. He was known for both his technical skills and his high-spirited, droll depictions of human foibles. Biography Dehn was born in 1895 in Waterville, Minnesota. Dehn began creating artwork at the age of six and by the time of his death had created nearly 650 images. After high school he went to the Minneapolis School of Art, known today as the (Minneapolis College of Art and Design) where he met Wanda Gág...