Ethnography · 19th century
€ 210
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good for age. Wide margins. Minor age toning and small faint spots mostly in blank margin areas. Strong impression with bright original hand-coloring.
Inhabitants of Norton Bay, Alaska – Antique Hand-Colored Ethnographic Print c.1805
This rare and beautifully hand-colored ethnographic print titled “Bewooners van de Nortons-Baai” (“Inhabitants of Norton Bay”) depicts Indigenous Yup’ik or Inupiat people living along the Norton Bay coast of Alaska. It 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 shows a family in a peaceful moment outdoors. One figure stands holding a freshly caught fish, while another seated figure holds a wooden bucket as a child reaches playfully upward. Their clothing, made of hides and furs suited to the northern climate, reflects the practical adaptation to a subsistence lifestyle based around fishing and hunting in the Arctic environment. The original hand-coloring remains clear and detailed, bringing warmth to the setting.
Stuart & Kuyper’s publication was one of the earliest Dutch attempts to document cultures from around the world based on exploration and early anthropological reports. These prints now hold strong value as visual records of lifeways before the modern cultural changes that followed European and American expansion.
A desirable print for collectors of Arctic history, Indigenous studies, and ethnographic art. It also serves beautifully as framed wall decor due to the charming family scene and rich natural palette.
Condition:
Good for age. Wide margins. Minor age toning and small faint spots mostly in blank margin areas. Strong impression with bright original hand-coloring.
Framing Tips:
A cool-toned mat (ivory or soft gray) with a black or dark brown frame will complement the northern subject. Float mounting recommended to reveal the full sheet and plate mark.
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
