Travel & Transport · 18th century
€ 260
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good. Light soiling, mostly around the borders, due to age and handling. Study the image carefully.
The uploaded authentic engraving for sale portrays a scene of interaction between European explorers and indigenous peoples, identified by the caption as occurring at "Port des Français," which is known today as Lituya Bay in Alaska. This area was explored by the French during the late 18th century, notably by the La Pérouse expedition in 1786.
In this scene, we see a group of European figures in the center, engaged in what appears to be a peaceful exchange or meeting with native individuals. The Europeans are dressed in the attire of the period, with some seated and one standing figure presenting what looks to be a document or map. The indigenous people are depicted with different attire, one in a cloak of fur, which suggests their local adaptation to the colder climate of the region.
The engraving shows a stark contrast in cultural attire and technology, with a juxtaposition of European navigational instruments and firearms against the native dress and weapons. The setting includes the forested environment of the Pacific Northwest, with tall trees and rugged terrain.
