Bilder John Webber (1751–1793) – Natives and Habitations of Unalaska – Alaska, USA – Engraving (1785)

Beskrivning

"Naturels et Habitations de Oonalashka" depicts a coastal scene on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian chain, showing the lifestyle of the Aleut (Unangan) people. The engraving captures several figures standing on a grassy knoll near their semi-subterranean dwellings (barabara), while others are positioned near skin-covered kayaks (baidarkas) along the shoreline. In the background, rugged, steep cliffs descend into the sea under a dramatic sky. This plate is from the French edition of Captain James Cook’s third voyage account, Troisième Voyage de Cook, published in Paris. It remains one of the earliest and most significant visual records of the indigenous peoples of the North American Arctic as seen through European eyes.

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.