Regal Dignity and Island Beauty: King Poulaho of Tonga and a Woman of Eua, 1785
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1785
Sheet size
24.5 × 38 cm (9.6 × 15.0 in)
Condition
Fair
Reference
BG-13597-101
Condition
Fair condition. The paper thin and showing some soiling and minor browning or foxing, mostly around the edges. Some edges rough with creases but mostly outsides the images. Study the images carefully.
About this sheet
The original antique engraving presents two individual portraits side by side.
On the left is the "Portrait of POULAO, KING of the Friendly Islands," which refers to the historical figure often known as King Poulaho of Tonga, also known as Finau Ulukalala I. The Friendly Islands was the name given by Captain Cook to Tonga. Poulaho is depicted with a large, fan-shaped headdress, which is likely indicative of his high status. His facial expression is solemn and direct, suggesting a sense of dignity and authority.
On the right is the "Portrait of A WOMAN of MIDDLEBURGH, or EOOA, an Island near TONGATABOO." Middleburgh refers to the island now known as 'Eua, which is near Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga. The woman has a calm expression and wears a necklace, and her hair is styled in curls, which might reflect local beauty standards or status.
