Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

1757 Engraving of Inuit & Indigenous Peoples – Hudson Bay & Arctic Canoe Scene

$166.89
£123.82
€140
CA$228.48
A$255.97
CHF 133.23
MX$3,117.27
NOK 1,697.23
SEK 1,598.31
DKK 1,065.98
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Title: 1757 Engraving of Inuit & Indigenous Peoples – Hudson Bay & Arctic Canoe Scene Description: This rare 1757 antique copperplate engraving presents two fascinating scenes depicting Indigenous life in Arctic Canada, focusing on the Inuit and other First Nations communities in the Hudson Bay region. Originally published in *Histoire Générale des Voyages*, the engraving provides an invaluable visual record of daily life, survival techniques, and traditional dwellings. The top illustration, titled 'Un Esquimau dans son Canot', depicts an Inuit paddling a sleek, narrow kayak through choppy waters, showcasing the remarkable boat-making skills of the Arctic peoples. The kayak, designed for hunting and efficient travel, is shown in its traditional form, reflecting centuries of adaptation to harsh northern environments. The bottom illustration, 'Esquimaux du côté du Nord-Ouest de la Baie de Hudson', portrays a male and female Inuit figure standing near an igloo, a crucial form of temporary winter shelter. The man holds a bow and arrows, symbolizing subsistence hunting, while the woman carries a small child. In the background, additional Indigenous dwellings, including conical tipis, suggest the presence of other First Nations groups living near the Hudson Bay coastline. The detailed hatching and shading techniques used in the engraving bring out the textures of clothing, landscapes, and architectural features, making this a historically and artistically significant piece. As an early European representation of Arctic Indigenous culture, it holds great value for collectors of ethnographic art, Canadian history, and antique travel prints. Condition: Well-preserved with clear plate impressions and strong details. Some light toning and minor edge wear, consistent with age. Matting & Framing Tips: A neutral or cool-toned mat will highlight the Arctic themes, while a dark wooden or black frame will create an elegant display. Museum-quality glass is recommended to protect the fine engraving details.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.85 in (25 cm)Width: 7.17 in (18.2 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
    1750-1759
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1757
  • Condition:
    Well-preserved with clear plate impressions and strong details. Some light toning and minor edge wear, consistent with age.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14038-791stDibs: LU3054343632292

More From This Seller

View All
Antique Print of Chukchi People by Cook, 1803
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'De Tschutski en hunne Wooningen'. This print depicts Chukchi people preparing to go bow hunting. Originates from 'Reizen rondom de Wa...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Encounter at Lituya Bay: French Explorers Among the Tlingit, 1786
Located in Langweer, NL
The uploaded authentic engraving for sale portrays a scene of interaction between European explorers and indigenous peoples, identified by the caption as occurring at "Port des Franç...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of a Woman's Boat Know as Imiak and a Kayak for Men, 1770
By Prevost
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled '1. Umiak ou Bateau de Femmes 2. Kaiak ou Canot à un seul Homme'. Copper engraving of an Umiak or women's boat and a one man kayak or canoe. This print originate...
Category

Antique 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Inuit Eskimo Life: An 1812 Moravian Missionary's Account from the Labrador Coast
Located in Langweer, NL
This original hand-colored engraving for sale is a historical print, depicting two indigenous individuals, likely Inuit, referred to in the print as "Esquimaux Indians of the coast o...
Category

Antique 1810s Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of Natives of the Channel of Norton by Cook, 1803
By James Cook
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Inwooners van Norton-Kanaal en hunne Wooningen'. Antique print depicting natives of the Channel of Norton and their houses. Originates from 'Reizen Rondom de Wa...
Category

Antique 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of a Canoe of Chukotka, Tartary, 1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'A Canoe of Tchoka, or Segalian Island, opposite the East Coast of Tartary first explored by M. de la Perouse'. Engraving of a canoe of Chukotka, Russia. Source ...
Category

Antique 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Indigenous Peoples of Prince William Sound, America, 19th century lithograph.
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Mausoleo del Vakosci' / 'Tschigaschi' Italian lithograph, c1841. Originally from 'Galleria universale di tutti i popoli del mondo' by Giuseppe Antonelli, published in Venice, Italy...
Category

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Sandwich Islands Canoe (Hawaii): Framed 18th C. Engraving Captain Cook's Journal
By John Webber
Located in Alamo, CA
"A Canoe of the Sandwich Islands, the Rowers Masked" is an engraving created by Charles Grignion, from a drawing by John Webber (1752-1793), who was the artist on Captain James Cook's 3rd and final voyage of discovery. It is Plate 65 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 Admiralty sanctioned journal published upon completion of the voyage in London in 1784 by Strahan & Cadell. This famous image of ten Hawaiian rowers transporting a priest who is carrying a feather-covered image of Kukailimoku, the Hawaiian god of war. The priests and paddlers are all wearing gourd masks in their double-hulled canoe with an upright lateen woven sail. Each hull was shaped from a single large Koa log harvested from island rainforests, where they were carved before being transported to the coast. This engraving is presented in a Koa wood frame and a white mat. There are occasional faint spots, but the print is otherwise in very good condition. Koa is the same wood as was used to make the canoe. Koa wood is legendary in Hawaii. Not only is this amazing wood native to Hawaii, but 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. The frame measures 20.75" high, 26.75" wide and 0.88" deep. 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 mat (LU117324682022, LU117324684052, LU117324684062). 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. Hawaii was discovered by Captain Cook (1728-1779) during this voyage. Hawaii was originally called The Sandwich Islands in honor of The Earl of Sandwich...
Category

1780s Landscape Prints

Materials

Engraving

Original Antique Ethnographical Print of Indigenous Siberians. C.1780
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of indigenous Siberians Copper-plate engraving Published C.1780 Unframed.     
Category

Antique 1780s English Georgian Prints

Materials

Paper

Funeral, Indigenous Peoples, Canada, North America, mid 19th century lithograph.
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Vettura di Candadesi' / 'Cerimonia per defunli degl' Indiani nel Canada' Italian lithograph, c1841. Originally from 'Galleria universale di tutti i popoli del mondo' by Giuseppe An...
Category

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Early 18th Century Engraving of the Northern Whale Fishery, circa 1720
Located in Nantucket, MA
Very early 18th century Dutch woodblock engraving of the Northern Whale Fishery, circa 1720, a hand colored engraving illustrating the Dutch whaling flee...
Category

Antique 1720s Dutch Baroque Prints

Materials

Paper

The Eskimos - Original Lithograph by Paul Gervais - 1854
By Paul Gervais
Located in Roma, IT
The Eskimos is an original lithograph on ivory-colored paper, realized by Paul Gervais (1816-1879). The artwork is from The Series of "Les Trois Règnes de la Nature", and was publish...
Category

1850s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph