Picart, Florida Women Mourning Their Husbands in Ritual Service, 1734, Print

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Title: Florida Women Mourning Their Fallen Husbands, with Hermaphrodites in Ritual Service : This evocative copperplate engraving, published in 1723 … Read more Title: Florida Women Mourning Their Fallen Husbands, with Hermaphrodites in Ritual Service : This evocative copperplate engraving, published in 1723 as part of Bernard Picart’s *Cérémonies et Coutumes Religieuses de tous les Peuples du Monde*, depicts two interrelated scenes of mourning and ritual drawn from accounts of Indigenous peoples in 18th-century Florida. In the upper scene, a group of kneeling, grieving women—described as "Floridiennes"—gather before a decorated figure identified as a king. These women, having lost their husbands in war, are shown imploring the assistance or guidance of the monarch, who stands tall, adorned with elaborate body paint and a feathered headdress. In the background, two individuals carry a body on a woven stretcher, signifying death and the rituals of mourning. Of particular ethnographic note is the mention of “hermaphrodites” (hermaphrodites destinés à servir les malades et à enterrer les morts), which reflects European interpretations of gender roles in Indigenous communities—individuals of non-binary or third-gender status who were often associated with spiritual or social functions, including tending the sick and preparing the dead for burial. The lower half of the engraving focuses on widows from the same community who are shown casting their hair upon the graves of their husbands. This act, as interpreted by European observers, symbolized grief and was part of a ceremonial rite of farewell. The scene includes expressive gestures and a raw emotional tone, highlighting the personal loss and communal participation in rituals surrounding death. In the foreground, skeletal remains and weapons emphasize the devastation of conflict and its societal impact. While the scenes reflect European perceptions and artistic stylization, they offer insight into early 18th-century interest in Indigenous American customs. These engravings formed part of a broader Enlightenment project aimed at cataloging global religious and cultural practices—albeit through a lens often laden with exoticism and conjecture. Condition: Good impression on laid paper with generous margins. Slight age toning to edges and a minor chip on the lower right margin, not affecting the image. Paper remains clean and strong, with finely preserved plate detail. Framing suggestion: A float frame in dark walnut or black with a subtle linen or off-white mat will highlight the historical gravitas of the image. A museum-grade UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the engraving's tonal depth. See less