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Tranquil Repose in the Tropical Landscape of Vanuatu's Tanna Island, 1794

About the Item

The 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 scene on Tanna Island, part of Vanuatu, showcasing the island's lush and varied vegetation, indicative of a tropical paradise. In the foreground, we see a group of individuals who appear to be engaged in a moment of rest or social interaction within the natural surroundings of the island. Their relaxed postures and the inclusion of what seems to be a picnic setup with a basket and cloth spread on the ground suggest a scene of leisure. The attire of the figures is reminiscent of the late 18th century, and they are likely meant to represent European explorers or naturalists. Behind this group, the dense foliage of the island is meticulously depicted, with a range of tree and plant species that convey the biodiversity of the area. The engraver has paid close attention to detail, from the textures of the tree trunks and leaves to the subtle variations in the landscape that recede into the background, where the silhouette of a mountain can be discerned against the sky. A body of water is visible in the midground, likely a bay or lagoon, contributing to the overall sense of tranquility and the untouched nature of the landscape during that era. The scene is framed by the tall palm trees and draping willow-like branches on the right, which help to draw the viewer's eye through the composition, from the detailed foreground to the calm expanse beyond. The style and technique of the engraving are characteristic of the period, with fine lines and cross-hatching used to create depth, texture, and shading. This print would have served not only as a visual record of the voyages but also as a piece of art, conveying the exotic allure and natural beauty of the places visited by European explorers in the Pacific.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.26 in (23.5 cm)Width: 14.97 in (38 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1794
  • Condition:
    Repaired: One tear in the lower middle has been repaired with archival tape on the reverse. Fair to good condition. Visible signs of aging such as edge wear, paper browning, and foxing spots (mainly outside the image) are apparent. Most wear is around the edges. Please study the image carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13597-521stDibs: LU3054337781412
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  • Diversity of Tanna: Portraits of a Man and Woman from Vanuatu’s Isle, ca.1785
    Located in Langweer, NL
    The engraving features two individual portraits side by side, labeled as inhabitants of the island of Tanna, which is part of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. On the left is "A MAN of the Island of TANNA." He is depicted with a serious, almost stern expression, looking slightly to the side. His facial features are marked by a prominent beard and mustache, and his hair appears long and wavy. This detailed portrayal suggests an effort to capture the unique physical characteristics and possibly the demeanor of the man. On the right is "A WOMAN of the Island of TANNA." She is shown in a three-quarter view with a gentle expression, looking directly at the viewer. Her hair is styled in tight curls, she wears large hoop earrings, and her clothing drapes softly over her shoulders, indicating a level of adornment and style. The portraits likely aimed to depict the natural appearance and attire of the people from Tanna as accurately as possible for European audiences of the time. These works often sought to provide a detailed record of the diverse cultures encountered during exploration voyages. The style of the engraving and the reference to Captain Cook's voyages suggest that it comes from the late 18th century, likely in the period following Cook's final voyage, which ended in 1779. The engravings of Pacific peoples associated with Cook's voyages were often published in the various accounts that proliferated after his travels, as there was a keen interest in the newly contacted peoples of the Pacific. The text on the engraving says it was "Accurately Engraved for Anderson's Large Folio Edition of the Whole of Capt'n. Cook's Voyages &c. Complete." This indicates that the engraving was made for a specific publication by Anderson, compiling Captain Cook's voyages. George William Anderson is known for his compilation titled "A New, Authentic, and Complete Collection of Voyages Round the World," which was published initially in the 1780s. This collection often included large folio engravings such as this one. Given this information, we can reasonably estimate that this engraving would have been published sometime in the 1780s. However, without specific publication data, it is not possible to provide an exact year. Such details would typically be found in a library catalog...
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