Rhythms of the Pacific: A Communal Dance in Tonga, Engraving Published in 1812

€ 260

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

Date: 1812
Sheet size: 20 × 25.5 cm (7.9 × 10.0 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-13599-6

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

Good. Light soiling around the borders, due to age and handling. Minor foxing. Study the image carefully.

About this sheet

The engraving depicts a serene and communal scene labeled as "Dance in the Friendly Isles." The Friendly Isles is an older name for the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific. This piece was published in 1812, during a period when European explorations were fascinated with the cultures of the Pacific islands.

In the engraving, we see a group of indigenous people engaged in a dance, with several figures in the foreground performing or preparing to perform. Their attire and adornments are indicative of Pacific Islander cultural dress, and they are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, including palm trees, which sets the scene in a verdant, outdoor locale. A seated group of onlookers, possibly musicians, is visible to the right, with some playing what appear to be traditional instruments, suggesting a communal or ceremonial event.