Items Similar to Easter Island's Enigmatic Legacy: Moai Statues Engraved and Published in 1794
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6
Easter Island's Enigmatic Legacy: Moai Statues Engraved and Published in 1794
About the Item
This original antique engraving is a historical depiction of Easter Island, known for its monumental statues called Moai. The image is titled "A View of Monuments, &c. in Easter Island," and it was published by Alex Hogg at the King's Arms, No. 16 Paternoster Row, London.
It likely is from the publication of Portlock's "New Collection of Voyages and Travels," which was published in 1794. Captain Nathaniel Portlock was an English navigator and a contemporary of Captain James Cook, and he also undertook significant voyages in the Pacific.
The scene is rich with detail, showing several Moai statues, some standing and others fallen, which is indicative of the island's landscape as encountered by early European explorers. The Moai are carved from volcanic tuff and are emblematic of the Rapa Nui culture. The presence of skeletons in the foreground suggests a commentary on the passage of time and the decline of the ancient Rapa Nui civilization, a subject that was of considerable fascination to European audiences at the time.
The engraving style is typical of the late 18th to early 19th century, with fine lines and detailed shading used to create depth and texture. It reflects the European interest in exotic locations and "discovered" landscapes during the Age of Exploration. The print would have been used to illustrate travel narratives or works of natural history, providing a visual account of the mysterious and remote island to readers back in Europe.
As for the condition, visible signs of aging such as edge wear, paper browning, and foxing spots outside the image are apparent. However, these do not significantly detract from the historical value or the visual impact of the piece. Such prints are cherished for their artistry and as records of cultural encounters during a pivotal era in global exploration.
- Dimensions:Height: 10.04 in (25.5 cm)Width: 15.16 in (38.5 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1794
- Condition:Good condition. Visible signs of aging such as edge wear, paper browning, and foxing spots (outside the image) are apparent. Most wear is around the edges. Please study the image carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
1,919 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Sociable Encounters at the Monolithic Giants: Easter Island's Enigmatic StatuesLocated in Langweer, NLImage title: "Chile: Inhabitants and monuments of Easter Island." Publsihed: 1797, based on a drawing from 1786 Title: "Sociable Encounters at the Monolithic Giants: Easter Island'...Category
Antique Late 18th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Rapa Nui Gaze: Portraits from Easter Island, Engraved and Published in ca.1785Located in Langweer, NLThe engraving features side-by-side portraits of a woman and a man from Easter Island, known locally as Rapa Nui, famous for its monumental statues known as moai. The left side depi...Category
Antique 1780s Prints
MaterialsPaper
- The Elegance of the White Stork Engraved and in Original Hand-Coloring, 1794Located in Langweer, NLTitle: "The Elegance of the White Stork" Description: This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving, hailing from the late 18th century, captures the serene grace of the White s...Category
Antique 1790s Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Tranquil Repose in the Tropical Landscape of Vanuatu's Tanna Island, 1794Located in Langweer, NLThe engraving is titled "A View in the Island of Tanna," and it was published by Alex Hogg at the King's Arms, No. 16 Paternoster Row, London. The image portrays a serene and idyllic...Category
Antique Late 18th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Print of Easter Island by Cook, 1803Located in Langweer, NLAn antique print from the Dutch translation of the travel accounts by Captain James Cook, titled "Reizen rondom de Waereld," which translates to "Voyages Around the World." This part...Category
Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Lord of the Court of Philip the Good, Engraved and Published in 1847Located in Langweer, NLThe image presents a nobleman of the court of Philippe le Bon (Philip the Good), Duke of Burgundy. The nobleman stands in profile, gazing into the distance, with an air of contemplat...Category
Antique 1840s Prints
MaterialsPaper
You May Also Like
- Exquisite Suite of Four 1800 Bouillon Copper Plate Engraved Roman Statue PrintsLocated in GBWe are delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly collectable suite of four original 1800 dated copper plate prints by the genius that was Bouillon These are sublime qu...Category
Antique Early 1800s English George III Prints
MaterialsPaper
- 18th Century Copper Engraving in Giltwood Frame Published in 1746, Jane SeymourLocated in Lambertville, NJA beautifully framed 19th century copper engraved print of Queen Jane Seymour (1508-1537), the third wife of Henry VIII. Engraved by Jacobus Houbrak...Category
Antique Mid-18th Century English Tudor Prints
MaterialsGlass, Giltwood, Paper
- Colored, Framed Copper Engraving "Fuhrwerk II" Published by Winkelmann and SonsLocated in Hamburg, DEHand coloured, framed copper engraving "Fuhrwerk II" published by Winkelmann and Sons in Berlin in the mid-19th century. The print shows the vehicles of that time, four different ca...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Map Long Island, Southold, Shelter Island, Orient, New YorkBy Beers Atlas Co.Located in Sag Harbor, NYAntique map of Long Island, Southold, Shelter Island, Orient, Great details, Names of homes, Roads and Businesses in 1870. Unframed. This is...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century American Early Victorian Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Adolf Dehn Original Lithograph, 1933, Easter Parade, Pencil SignedBy Adolf DehnLocated in Phoenix, AZOrignal pencil signed lithograph by Adolf Arthur Dehn (1895-1968). Titled “Easter Parade” and created 1933. Lumsdaine/O'Sullivan 270. Edition 300, Cont...Category
Early 20th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Victorian Pacific Island Beauty "A Samoan Belle" Lithograph in Koa FrameLocated in Van Nuys, CAMuseum Quality Photographic Lithograph Artwork print titled "A Samoan Belle" depicting a beautiful Victorian-era Samoan woman in traditional dress with her village in the background....Category
1990s American Prints
MaterialsPaper
