Frozen Frontiers: 18th-Century Engraving of Spitsbergen and Arctic Exploration

Title: 18th Century Ethnological Engravings of Peruvians and Ecuadorians Description: These two 18th-century engravings, printed in 1756, are detailed depictions of the social and cultural life in Peru and Ecuador during the colonial era. Created by Quentin-Pierre Chedel (1705–1762), they are part of *Histoire générale des voyages* by Antoine François Prévost, a monumental collection that documented the world's exploration and cultural encounters. First Engraving (Residents of Peru): This print illustrates the residents of Lima, Peru, highlighting the various social classes and ethnic groups present in the region during the colonial period. The detailed engraving captures: A. Femme de Lima en Habit de Ville – A woman from Lima in formal city dress, representing the elite of society. B. Femme en Habit de Ménage – A woman in household dress, typical of a middle or upper-class domestic attire. C. Espagnol vêtu comme on l’est au Pérou – A Spanish man dressed as one would in Peru, showing the influence of Spanish colonial fashion on local attire. D. Mulatresse – A woman of mixed African and European descent, reflecting the diverse ethnic makeup of colonial Peru. E. Nègre Domestique – A domestic servant of African descent, showcasing the role of enslaved individuals in colonial households. The scene is set in a lush, natural landscape, with attention to the differences in social standing and attire. Second Engraving (Residents of Quito, Ecuador): The second engraving, although similar in style, depicts residents of Quito, Ecuador, and provides an ethnological view of the city’s diverse inhabitants. The composition shows: 1. Espagnole de Quito – A Spanish woman of high status, dressed elegantly, representing the colonial upper class in Quito. 2. Indienne de Distinction – An Indigenous woman of notable status, likely representing the local nobility or important community figures. 3. Barbier Indien – An Indigenous barber, reflecting the occupational diversity and social roles of the Indigenous population in colonial society. 4. Métive de Quito – A Métis woman from Quito, showing the mixed-race population that emerged during the colonial era. 5. Paysan Indien – An Indigenous farmer, indicating the essential role of agriculture and rural labor in the economy of colonial Ecuador. 6. Indienne du Commun – A common Indigenous woman, dressed in traditional attire, representing the majority of the Indigenous population. Like the first engraving, this print captures the varied ethnic and social dynamics in a colonial society, with figures placed in a landscape setting, emphasizing the connection between people and their environment. These engravings are not only artistic representations but also important historical records of colonial Latin America...

Title: "Traditional Kamchatdale Portraits: Engravings from 19th-Century Exploration" These two prints showcase individuals from the Kamchatka Peninsula, illustrating the rich cultur...

This finely executed engraving, titled "The Outside of a Morai, or Burial Place in Atooi" and "The Inside of a House, in the Morai in Atooi," offers a fascinating depiction of Hawaii...

This handcolored copperplate engraving, originating from Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children) published in Weimar in 1805, depicts four stri...

Superb pair of 18th century English engravings.

Two French matted and framed 18th century black and white engravings inspired by Classical Antiquity. The first frame contains an engraving of a woman patting a unicorn, and a man an...

A rare 18th Century set of 12 handcoloured copperplate engravings of Zoological studies, featuring primates of varying species. Each colourfully executed with a naive charm, and Lati...

18th century framed fashion engraving.