Ethnography · 19th century
€ 210
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good for age. Wide margins. Light age toning and a few faint spots limited to blank margin areas only. Strong impression with bright original hand-coloring.
Creek People of North America – Antique Hand-Colored Ethnographic Print c.1805
This detailed and beautifully hand-colored ethnographic print titled “Creeks” depicts members of the Indigenous Creek (Muscogee) Nation, historically based in the southeastern region of North America. The scene was published in Amsterdam around 1805 as part of the Dutch anthropological series “De Mensch, zoo als hij voorkomt op den bekenden aardbol” (“Humankind as Found on the Known Globe”), written by Martinus Stuart and illustrated by Jaques Kuyper.
The composition features a man standing with a decorated pipe, his body adorned with traditional tattoos and jewelry, while a woman sits working on a woven textile. The background shows a settlement with characteristic structures and abundant vegetation, enhancing the sense of daily life and community setting. The original hand-coloring remains fresh and lively, with strong attention to textiles, skin tones, and the lush natural landscape.
This work represents one of the earliest Dutch visual documentations of the Creek people, created during a time of rapid change in North America. Although derived from European sources, prints from this series today hold considerable historical and artistic value for their documentation of cultural attire and lifestyle.
This print is a desirable piece for collectors of Native American history, early ethnography, and the art of global exploration. It also presents beautifully as a framed decorative work.
Condition:
Very good for age. Wide margins. Light age toning and a few faint spots limited to blank margin areas only. Strong impression with bright original hand-coloring.
Framing Tips:
A natural wood or handcrafted-style frame combined with a cream museum-quality mat would enhance the warm palette. A float mount to reveal the plate mark and margins is recommended.
Technique: Hand-colored copper engraving
Maker: Jaques Kuyper (del.), engraved by Portman
Publisher: Johannes Allart, Amsterdam, c.1805
Publication: De Mensch, zoo als hij voorkomt op den bekenden aardbol
