1798 Cassini Sandwich Isles

1798 Cassini Sandwich Isles

The Italian painter and engraver, Giovanni Cassini, produced this splendid early view of the Hawaiian Islands as part of his epic three volume atlas. This is the only map we have seen embellished with a decorative cartouche imaginatively illustrating the death of Capt. Cook on the island of Hawaii in 1779. Capt. Cook’s daring voyages and untimely death made this one of the most famous scenes of the late 18th century. Each copy of this edition is faithful to the original in every particular. Cassini, who had never been to Hawaii, used Cook’s Chart of the Sandwich Islands as a model for his map. His representation of the Hawaiian natives is more reminiscent of the American Indians with feather headdresses and his final faux pas is to show Cook, an English naval officer in an Italian naval officer’s uniform.

Facebook  |  Instagram  | Trip Advisor  |  Yelp

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.

1798 Cassini Sandwich Isles

Learn More or Visit our Gallery

About Us  |  Locations  | Our Maui Artists