Bilder John Webber (1751–1793) – Dance in Otaheite (Tahiti) – French Polynesia – Engraving (1785)

Beskrivning

"Danse d'O-Taïti" illustrates a traditional Tahitian dance performance, likely a heiva, occurring in front of a thatched structure. The scene features two female dancers in elaborate ceremonial costumes, characterized by large pleated fan-like backpieces and breast coverings, accompanied by seated male musicians and a large audience of Tahitians. This engraving is from the French edition of the official account of Captain James Cook's third voyage, Troisième Voyage de Cook, published in Paris. Based on the original drawings by John Webber, this plate serves as a vital eighteenth-century ethnographic record of the performing arts and social life of the Society Islands during early European contact.

John Webber was an English artist and expeditionary illustrator who served as the official artist on Captain James Cook's third voyage to the Pacific Ocean. His primary responsibility was to record the landscapes, peoples, and customs encountered during the journey, providing a visual supplement to the scientific and navigational logs. Webber's drawings were the first detailed European representations of many Pacific cultures, including those of Hawaii, Alaska, and the South Sea Islands. After the voyage, he oversaw the engraving of his works for the official publication of Cook's journals. His contributions are considered foundational to the field of ethnographic art and were instrumental in shaping the European perception of the Pacific during the Enlightenment.

Artist or Maker:
John Webber.

Dimensions:
Approximately 40 cm x 27 cm.

Medium:
Engraving.

Date:
1785.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.