1784 A Woman of Van Diemen’s Land

1784 A Woman of Van Diemen’s Land

        This superb reproduction of the original antique copperplate engraved “A Woman of Van Diemen’s Land” was published by Strahan and Cadell, London circa 1784. This image was taken from actual field drawings by John Webber, the official artist of Cook’s third and final voyage of discovery. Engraved by J. Caldwall, this image was captured in January 1777 when Cook arrived at Adventure Bay, Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania). As Captain King reported to Captain Cook: “The Women wore a Kanguroo skin in the same shape as it came from the animal, tied over the shoulder and round the waist, but it was evidently intended for no other purpose than for the conveniency of carrying the child, for in all other respects they [are] as naked the men, and as black, with hair of the same Colour & texture. Some had their heads wholly shaved, some only on one side, while others again shaved all the upper part and leaving a circle of hair round the head as is the custom with some Fryers.”

         The official British Admiralty editions of Cook’s Voyages were published over an eleven year span, and sold by subscription to a privileged and appreciative public. The quality of this publication was unsurpassed, and the plates included represent the finest of 18th century engraving. Subsequent translations of Cook’s Voyages were published in various European languages, however, none were to match the original English edition in quality and artistic excellence. The production of the plates was overseen by Francesco Bartolozzi, the acknowledged master of 18th century stipple engraving and personal favorite of George III of England.

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What is a Mirrored Print & Gallery Wrap?

Canvas for Gallery Wrap

Take a good look at your print. The edges are mirrored, so that, the complete image is shown on the face of the frame once it is wrapped. In other words, You don’t lose any of the artwork. Our 2½” mirrored borders, allow your finished product to have a variety of thickness up to 2” deep. Therefore, make sure you choose an experienced framer who can make the frame to the exact specs of your custom print.

Hand-made Rattan Frames

Though the design has changed over the years, we commission these Rattan frames through a small family owned company in The Philippines. Your frame is the result of trial and error of the last 20 years! Rattan is a vine-like Palm that requires forest cover in order to thrive. Rattan grows throughout the jungle for over a quarter of a mile. Its trunk can span a diameter of over two inches down to the thickness of a human hair. The harvester’s collection process is performed by hand by a simple machete. Ultimately, the rattan vine cannot survive without the forest. Rattan quickly regenerates. As a result, this method of harvesting protects the destruction of the forest.

1784 A Woman of Van Diemen’s Land

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