Items Similar to Antique Costume Print of Tattooed Man from Byron Island, 1854
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Antique Costume Print of Tattooed Man from Byron Island, 1854
$343.88
£255.65
€290
CA$476.56
A$531.27
CHF 277.08
MX$6,424.27
NOK 3,483.01
SEK 3,295.63
DKK 2,207.85
About the Item
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 Frères, depicts a tattooed man from Île Byron (Byron Island, today known as Nikunau in Kiribati, Central Pacific). The image presents an ethnographic study of Pacific Islanders, part of the mid-19th century fascination with remote cultures encountered during voyages of discovery.
The figure stands proudly with his body covered in elaborate tattoos arranged in geometric patterns across the chest, arms, and torso. His attire is minimal, consisting of a short green garment tied around the waist, accentuating the tattoo designs that were central to identity and social status in Polynesian and Micronesian societies. He is adorned with large green ear ornaments, a yellow necklace, and a pearl or shell headpiece set into his tied-back hair. The presentation emphasizes both the physicality and cultural expression of Pacific Islanders, as perceived by European observers.
Byron Island, named after the British explorer John Byron in the 18th century, was part of the wider group of Pacific islands that became subjects of European curiosity and colonial interest. Prints such as this one provided continental readers with visual impressions of distant peoples, often filtered through exoticism and imagination. The detailed rendering of tattooing here, however, reflects genuine ethnographic observation, as body art was a vital aspect of Pacific cultural and spiritual life.
For collectors today, this print is valued not only for its decorative appeal but also for its importance as a historical artifact, documenting the 19th-century European lens on Pacific cultures. Its hand-applied coloring, particularly in the green garment and jewelry, enhances the figure’s visual impact against the otherwise plain background.
Condition report: Light marginal foxing and faint age toning, consistent with mid-19th-century paper. Plate mark visible. Colors remain vivid, especially in the green costume and ornaments. Wide margins intact.
Framing tips: A black or ebony frame with a cream mat will emphasize the strong lines of the tattoos and figure. For a more exotic presentation, a natural wood frame with a soft green mat will echo the garment and jewelry, bringing warmth and authenticity to the display.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Martial Ardant Frères, Paris & Limoges, 1854
- Dimensions:Height: 10.71 in (27.2 cm)Width: 7.09 in (18 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1854
- Condition:Condition report: Light marginal foxing and faint age toning, consistent with mid-19th-century paper. Plate mark visible. Colors remain vivid, especially in the green costume and ornaments. Wide margins intact.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14120-41stDibs: LU3054346396762
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,589 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllAntique Print of an Inhabitant of the Romanzoff Archipelago by H. Berghaus, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
This print originates from the first volume of ‘De Volken van den Aardbodem (..)’ by dr. H. Berghaus. Published by G.B. van Goor, Gouda, 1855. Dutch edition.
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$94 Sale Price
33% Off
Antique Costume Print of an Inhabitant of Rote Island by Wahlen, 1843
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique costume print titled 'Naturel de l'Ile Rotti'. Original antique print of an inhabitant of Rote Island, Indonesia. This print originates from 'Moeurs, usages et costumes de to...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$94 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Costume Print of a Warrior of Vanikoro Island by Wahlen, 1843
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique costume print titled 'Naturel de Vanikoro'. Original antique print of a warrior of Vanikoro Island. This print originates from 'Moeurs, usages et costumes de tous les peuples...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$94 Sale Price
20% Off
Tattooed Maori Warrior Costume Print – Antique Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1854
Located in Langweer, NL
Maori Warrior Costume Print – Antique Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1854
Description:
This antique hand-colored lithograph, published in 1854 in Album des Voyages Anciens et Modernes by ...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Costume Print of a Papua from Dorey Harbour by Wahlen, 1843
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique costume print titled 'Papou du Havre Dorey'. Original antique print of a Papua from Dorey Habour. This print originates from 'Moeurs, usages et costumes de tous les peuples d...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$94 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Costume Print of a Native of Marianna Island by Wahlen, 1843
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique costume print titled 'Naturel du Detroit Princess Marianne'. Original antique print of a native of Marianna Island. This print originates from 'Moeurs, usages et costumes de ...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$94 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Naturel de l'Archipel Romanzoff - Lithograph by Auguste Wahlen - 1844
Located in Roma, IT
Naturel de l'Archipel Romanzoff is a hand colored lithographs realized by Auguste Wahlen in 1844.
Good condition.
The artwork belongs to the Suite Moeurs, usages et costumes de tou...
Category
1840s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Man from Puebla - Original Lithograph - 1849
Located in Roma, IT
Man from Puebla is an original hand-watercolored lithograph on ivory paper by Anonymous Artist of 19th Century, in 1849.
In excellent conditions: As good as new.
Not signed. Title...
Category
1840s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Paper, Lithograph
Noukahiwa - Lithograph by Auguste Wahlen - 1844
Located in Roma, IT
Noukahiwa is a hand colored lithographs realized by Auguste Wahlen in 1844.
Good conditions.
The artwork belongsto the Suite Moeurs, usages et costume...
Category
1840s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Indoustan, Man of the people - Lithograph by Auguste Wahlen - 1844
Located in Roma, IT
Indoustan, Man of the people is a lithograph made by Auguste Wahlen in 1844.
Hand colored.
Good condition.
At the center of the artwork is the original title "Indoustan. Homme du ...
Category
1840s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Guerrier de L'ile Sawoe - Lithograph by Auguste Wahlen - 1844
Located in Roma, IT
Guerrier de L'ile Sawoe is a hand colored lithographs realized by Auguste Wahlen in 1844.
Good condition.
The artwork belongs to the Suite Moeurs, usages et costumes de tous les pe...
Category
1840s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Guerrier de Tonga Tabou - Lithograph by Auguste Wahlen - 1844
Located in Roma, IT
Guerrier de Tonga Tabou is a hand colored lithograph realized by Auguste Wahlen in 1844.
Good condition.
The artwork belongs to the Suite Moeurs, usages et costumes de tous les peu...
Category
1840s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
