73 John Webber (1751–1793) – Poulaho, King of the Friendly Islands, Drinking Kava – Engraving - Large Folio (1784)
This detailed ethnographic scene captures a Kava ceremony, a central social and political ritual in the Friendly Islands (now Tonga). The illustration shows Poulaho, the Tuʻi Tonga (paramount chief), seated within a large communal building with its distinctive thatched roof structure. He is surrounded by a semicircle of men while a figure kneels before him, performing a gesture of respect by touching the chief's foot, as others prepare the ceremonial beverage in a central bowl. This engraving is a direct visual record from the official British Admiralty-sanctioned account of Captain James Cook's third and final voyage, documenting the hierarchical structure and customs of the Tongan society.
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 27 × 41 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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