Regal Dignity and Island Beauty: King Poulaho of Tonga and a Woman of Eua, 1785

€ 220

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1785
Sheet size: 24.5 × 38 cm (9.6 × 15.0 in)
Condition: Fair
Reference: BG-13597-101

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

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.