1784 Man of the Sandwich Islands in a Mask

1784 Man of the Sandwich Islands in a Mask

         This superb reproduction of the original antique copperplate engraved “Man of the Sandwich Islands in a Mask” 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 T. Cook, this image was captured during Cook’s historic first visit to the Hawaiian Islands. According to the official narrative: “..is a kind of mask, made of a large gourd with holes cut in it for eyes and nose. The top was stuck full of small green twigs that, at a distance, had the appearance of an elegant waving plume, and from the lower part hung narrow strips of cloth resembling a beard. We never saw these masks worn but twice, and both times by a number of people in a canoe, who came to the side of the ships, laughing and drolling with an air of masquerading.”

         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 Man of the Sandwich Islands in a Mask

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