Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Battle in Owhyhee (Hawaii) - Combat of Two Anthropophages, 1785 Engraving

About the Item

Title: "Battle in Owhyhee: Combat of Two Anthropophages, 1785 Engraving" Description: This dramatic print, titled "Combat de deux Anthropophages d'Owhay (Course à Owhay)," depicts a fierce battle between two Hawaiian warriors in traditional war attire. One warrior, armed with a bow and arrow, takes aim, while the other, wielding a spear and shield, prepares to strike. The term "anthropophages," meaning cannibals, reflects 18th-century European misconceptions about Polynesian cultures, adding a historical lens to the artwork. Set against a rugged Hawaiian landscape with mountains, the scene captures the intensity of combat in Owhyhee (Hawaii). Created by John Webber, the official artist of Captain James Cook’s third voyage (1776–1780), this print documents Cook’s first European contact with Hawaii. Published in 1785, it was later reproduced by Pierre Langlumé’s lithography workshop at 4 Rue de l'Abbaye, Paris, as noted by "lith. de Langlumé." Langlumé, active from 1818, used lithography to preserve Webber’s original copperplate engraving, which showcases fine details in the warriors’ feathered headdresses, cloaks, and weaponry. The grayscale palette emphasizes the dynamic tension and cultural details, making this print a compelling blend of ethnographic study and 18th-century art. It reflects the era’s fascination with Polynesian cultures during the Age of Exploration, offering a glimpse into Hawaiian warrior traditions before significant Western influence. Perfect for collectors of Polynesian history or exploration art, this print captures a moment of conflict and cultural encounter, bridging 1785 with its early 19th-century reproduction by Langlumé’s workshop, a testament to the enduring interest in Cook’s voyages. Condition Report: The print has minor foxing on the edges, with slight yellowing overall. A small crease is noted in the lower left corner, and faint staining appears on the right margin. The image remains intact, rated good for its age. Framing Tips: Choose a double mat with a light gray inner mat and a dark taupe outer mat to match the grayscale tones. A black frame will highlight the drama. Use UV-protective glass to prevent fading, and avoid humid areas to preserve the engraving.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.38 in (36.5 cm)Width: 10.83 in (27.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
    1780-1789
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1785
  • Condition:
    The print has minor foxing on the edges, with slight yellowing overall. A small crease is noted in the lower left corner, and faint staining appears on the right margin. The image remains intact, rated good for its age.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13806-1121stDibs: LU3054345077632

More From This Seller

View All
Warrior of Owhyhee (Hawaii) - Anthropophage in War Costume, 1785 Engraving
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Warrior of Owhyhee: Anthropophage in War Costume, 1785 Engraving" Description: This evocative print, titled "Anthropophage d'Owhay, costume de guerre," portrays a Hawaiian w...
Category

Antique 1780s Prints

Materials

Paper

First Contact in Owhyhee: Webber's 1785 Engraving of Hawaii
Located in Langweer, NL
First Contact in Owhyhee: Webber's 1785 Engraving of Hawaii Description: This captivating print, titled "Vue prise à Owhyhee et entrevue avec les naturels," offers a glimpse into a ...
Category

Antique 1780s Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Copper Engraving Showing Two Mosques, ca.1785
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Mosquée - Autre Mosquée'. Copper engraving showing two mosques. This print originates from 'Jardins Anglo-Chinois à la Mode' by Georg Louis le Rouge. Ar...
Category

Antique 1780s Religious Items

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Engraving of a Rock Formation, c.1785
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Le Rocher'. Copper engraving showing a rock formation. This print originates from 'Jardins Anglo-Chinois à la Mode' by Georg Louis le Rouge. Artists and Engravers: The work of Le Rouge is considered the most important engraved work concerning the history of European...
Category

Antique 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Engraving of the Cave of Saint-Leu in France, C.1785
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Vue étant vers la droitte dans l'intérieur de la Grotte de St. Leu'. Copper engraving showing the cave, park and garden of Saint-Leu. This print originates from...
Category

Antique 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Old Engraving of the Trarbach Battle in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, c.1710
Located in Langweer, NL
Rare antique print titled 'Plan de la Ville et Chateau Traarbach (..)'. Battle plan of Trarbach, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Published circa 1710 b...
Category

Antique 1710s Maps

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

B.West Engraving "Naval Battle, Battle of the Houge" 18th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
This magnificent engraving is entitled "Battle of La Hougue" by the engraver E.C Voysard after Benjamin West. It depicts the Battle of Barfleur- La Hougue,...
Category

Antique 18th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Large Pair of 18th Century Continental Battle Scene Engravings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large Pair of 18th Century Continental Battle Scene Engravings in Faux Tortoiseshell Frames
Category

Antique 18th Century European Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper

Peter Paul Rubens Six Plate Engraving, The Battle of the Amazons
By Peter Paul Rubens
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a large engraving assembled from six printing plates, by well known German artist Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). Rubens was born in Siegen, Westphalia, Germany and ...
Category

Antique 17th Century Belgian Prints

Materials

Paper

French Napoleon III Engraving “Battle of Marengo” by Jacques-Joseph Coiny
By Louis Aimé Lejeune
Located in Valladolid, ES
Exceptional and unique engraving made by the engraver Jacques-Joseph Coiny, after the painting by Louis-François Lejeune on the Battle of Marengo (1800). Louis-François Lejeune was a...
Category

Antique 1840s Napoleon III Prints

Materials

Fruitwood, Paper

Early 19th Century French Napoleonic Urban Battle Engraving
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Early 19th Century French Napoleonic Urban Battle Engraving. Gorgeous engraving with a gilded period frame. See detailed photos attached. Contact us for more information.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Prints

Materials

Paper

Napoleon - Battle of Marengo
By Carle Vernet (Antoine Charles Horace Vernet)
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Old print of the battle of Marengo (Italy )- 14 June 1800 - etching from the famous Duplessis - Bertaux, who published all the Napoleon's battles. ref. ST/719-2
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Other Prints

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All