Maori Portraits: Exploring the Cultural Richness of New Zealand's People, c.1836
€ 340
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1836
Sheet size
34.2 × 25.2 cm (13.5 × 9.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14025-18, -19
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Condition Report: Light toning and minor foxing visible in the margins, consistent with the age of the lithographs. The image areas are clean and sharp, retaining excellent contrast and detail. Slight edge wear, but overall in very good condition.
About this sheet
This compiled image features detailed lithographic portraits of Indigenous Maori people from New Zealand, created during Dumont d'Urville's expedition aboard the Astrolabe. The portraits highlight traditional Maori clothing, hairstyles, and intricate facial tattoos (moko), reflecting the cultural richness of the Maori people. Each subject is depicted with expressive detail, showcasing a variety of profiles and facial expressions that emphasize individuality and identity.
The first panel includes figures adorned with feathered cloaks and earrings, while the second panel portrays individuals with more elaborate facial tattoos and gestures, adding an element of interaction. The final row captures both men and women, emphasizing the diversity within the Maori community. These illustrations, created by Louis Auguste de Sainson and later reproduced in Brodtmann’s Entdeckungs, Reise der Franzosischen Corvette Astrolabe, are significant ethnographic records of early European encounters with Maori culture.
Condition Report: Light toning and minor foxing visible in the margins, consistent with the age of the lithographs. The image areas are clean and sharp, retaining excellent contrast and detail. Slight edge wear, but overall in very good condition.
