1784 A Young Woman of Otaheite, Bringing a Present

1784 A Young Woman of Otaheite, Bringing a Present

         This superb reproduction of the original antique copperplate engraved “A Young Woman of Otaheite, Bringing a Present” 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 Francesco Bartolozzi, this image was executed in Tahiti during cook’s visit to cultural ceremonies between August and September of 1777. As Cook’s Journal notes: “I….went with him [Otoo] to his Fathers where they were dressing two girls in a prodigious quantity of fine cloth [tapa] in a manner rather curious; the one end of each piece, of which there were a good many, was held up over the heads while the remainder was wrapped round them under their armpits, then the upper ends were let fall and hung down in foulds to the ground over the other and looked some thing like a circular hooped petticoat. After ward round the out side of all, were wraped several pieces of different Coloured cloth, which considerably increased the Size so that the whole was not less than five or six yards in circuit and was as much as the poor girl could support. To each was hung two Taame’s, or breast plates by way of enriching the whole. Thus equipped they were conducted on board the Ship together with Several Hogs and a quantity of fruit as a present from Otoos Father to me. Either men or women dressed in this manner they call Atee….”

         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 Young Woman of Otaheite, Bringing a Present

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