Items Similar to Sovereign Profiles: King Otoo and Lady Tynai-Mai of Tahiti, Published in ca.1785
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
Sovereign Profiles: King Otoo and Lady Tynai-Mai of Tahiti, Published in ca.1785
About the Item
The engraving showcases two individuals of high status from Tahiti, known historically as "Otaheite" during the period of European exploration in the Pacific.
On the left is "OTOO, KING of OTAHEITE." He is portrayed in profile, with a strong gaze and a full head of curly hair, indicating his noble status. His attire is simple yet may carry symbols of his rank, and his posture is one of regal bearing.
On the right is "TYNAI-MAI, a principal LADY of OTAHEITE." Her hair is styled in ringlets, a detail that emphasizes her status, and she wears a headband and a striped garment draped around her, similar to the attire of the king. Her expression is poised, and she has a direct and engaging gaze.
The publication date of this engraving would be from a collection detailing Captain Cook's voyages, published in the late 18th century, likely in the 1780s. The detailed work suggests that it was created for a comprehensive and "accurate" account of the voyages, intended for an audience curious about the wider world.
More details on the persons depicted:
**Otoo (also known as Tu)**:
Otoo, whose name is sometimes spelled "Tu," was a high-ranking chief and later became the king of Tahiti. He was known to European explorers and was an important figure during the period of the first European contacts with Tahiti. Otoo was initially the Ari'i Rahi (paramount chief) of the Teva clan, which was one of the most powerful on the island. He became more prominent during the time of Captain James Cook's voyages in the Pacific.
Otoo's interactions with Europeans were significant as he navigated the complex dynamics of external influences while trying to maintain his authority and the traditions of Tahiti. His rule saw the initial stages of Tahiti's transformation through increasing contact with European ships and traders.
**Tynai-Mai**:
Tynai-Mai, referred to as a principal lady of Tahiti, is less well-documented in historical records than Otoo. Her title suggests that she was a woman of high social status, possibly a chieftainess or a member of the Tahitian nobility. Women in Tahitian society could hold significant influence and status, and her depiction in the engraving alongside Otoo indicates her importance.
The specific details of Tynai-Mai's life, her contributions to her society, and her interactions with European explorers are not widely recorded in the same manner as the male chiefs and kings of the time. Nevertheless, her inclusion in such engravings suggests that she was a figure of note during the period of initial European contact with Tahiti.
These individuals are emblematic of the complex and often challenging relationships that formed between European explorers and Pacific Islander societies during the Age of Discovery, a time marked by both mutual curiosity and the looming changes brought by colonization.
- Dimensions:Height: 9.65 in (24.5 cm)Width: 14.97 in (38 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:1780-1789
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1785
- Condition:Fair condition, Thin, aged paper with typically warm, yellowish-brown hue. Edges show small creases, tears and wrinkles, but not touching the image. Study the images 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
1,933 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
- Original Antique Engraving of Otoo, King of Tahiti, by Cook, 1803By James CookLocated in Langweer, NLAntique print titled 'Otoo Koning van Otahiti'. Antique print depiciting Otoo, King of Tahiti. Originates from 'Reizen Rondom de Waereld door James Cook (..)'. Artists and Engrave...Category
Antique 19th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Shell Print of Univalves in Frame, Published ca.1785Located in Langweer, NLAntique shell print of univalves. This antique print originates from William Frederic Martyn’s two volume work, 'A New Dictionary of Natural Histor...Category
Antique Late 18th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Portraits of Indigenous Alaskans from Prince William Sound, Published in ca.1785Located in Langweer, NLThe print is from one of Captain Cook's voyages and likely from one of the three major voyages he undertook between 1768 and 1779. The engravings from these voyages were made by arti...Category
Antique 1780s 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
- 1787 Engraved Portrait of King Henry IV - Lancastrian SovereignLocated in Langweer, NLAn engraved portrait of Henry IV, King of England. Henry IV was the first English monarch from the Lancastrian branch of the Plantagenets and came to power after deposing his cousin Richard II in 1399. His reign was marked by the start of the 15-year civil strife known as the Wars of the Roses, numerous rebellions, and efforts to consolidate his power and legitimize his somewhat tenuous claim to the throne. The text mentions that the portrait is based on a picture at Hampton Court, which is a royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Published as the act directs on June 18th, 1787, this engraving is part of the collection for "Harrington's Edition of Rapin's History of England." Henry IV's reign is notable for the rebellion led by the famous knight Henry Percy...Category
Antique 1780s Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Engraving of West Wycombe Park and Windsor Park in England, ca.1785Located in Langweer, NLAntique print titled 'Cascade de Westwycob au chevalier Dashwood - Grotte du Parc de Windsor'. Copper engraving showing the waterfall of West Wycombe park and the cabe of Windsor Par...Category
Antique 18th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
You May Also Like
- Lovely Black and White Engraving of Victorian LadyLocated in Hopewell, NJAn elegant black and white engraving of an aristocratic Victorian lady outfitted in period attire, framed handsomely with wide black mat and ...Category
Vintage 1980s North American High Victorian Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Italian Contemporary Print of Ancient Profile with Mirror and Gold Wood FrameLocated in Scandicci, FlorenceOne of two etching printed ancient profile print with gold leaf background hand-gilded and enhanced with a square frame made of mirrors and gilded with gouache and burnished with a s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Prints
MaterialsGold Leaf
- Italian Contemporary Print of Ancient Profile with Mirror and Gold Wood FrameLocated in Scandicci, FlorenceOne of two etching printed ancient profile print with gold leaf background hand-gilded and enhanced with a square frame made of mirrors and gilded with gouache and burnished with a s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Prints
MaterialsGold Leaf
- Set of Six Framed Prints Published by Rudolph AckermannLocated in London, GBSet of six framed prints published by Rudolph Ackermann English, 1851 Frame: Height 54cm, width 59.5cm, depth 4.5cm Sheet: Height 35cm, width 41cm...Category
Antique 1850s English Prints
MaterialsGiltwood, Paper
- 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
- King KongLocated in London, GBOriginal photographic production still used for a re-release of the film in the late 1930's or early 1940's King Kong is perfect blend of adventure, science fiction and horror, King ...Category
Vintage 1940s American Posters
MaterialsPaper
