94 John Webber (1751–1793) – Poulaho, King of the Friendly Islands – Engraving - Large Folio (1784)
This striking ethnographic portrait captures Poulaho, the paramount chief (or King) of the Friendly Islands (now Tonga). The subject is shown wearing an elaborate, large, fan-shaped headdress made of feathers or finely woven material, along with necklaces. The image documents the formal appearance and regalia of the Polynesian leadership encountered by Captain Cook's expedition in the late 18th century. This engraving is a direct rendering of an original sketch made on site by the expedition artist, forming a vital visual record for the official British Admiralty-sanctioned account of Captain James Cook's third and final voyage.
John Webber was an English landscape and portrait artist who served as the official artist on Captain James Cook's third voyage of discovery (1776–1780) aboard HMS Resolution. His official task was to create drawings of the people, places, and memorable scenes encountered, providing a visual record that was intended to supplement the written narrative. Upon returning to England, Webber was commissioned by the Admiralty to supervise the engraving and publication of his sketches, which resulted in the comprehensive atlas for A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean.
Artist or Maker: John Webber
Dimensions: Approximately 28 × 22 cm
Medium: Engraving
Date: 1784
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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