Inhabitants of California, 1800s, Paper

Details

Description

Inhabitants of California, Indigenous Dress and Daily Life – Early Ethnographic Engraving, c.1774 This early ethnographic engraving depicts Indigenous inhabitants … Read more Inhabitants of California, Indigenous Dress and Daily Life – Early Ethnographic Engraving, c.1774 This early ethnographic engraving depicts Indigenous inhabitants of California shown in their respective forms of dress and daily activities. The composition is divided into four detailed scenes, presenting a man returned from fishing, a fisherman on a bark-log raft, and two women in different types of ceremonial and everyday attire. Together, these vignettes offer a rare European visual record of Indigenous Californian life as understood during the late 18th century. The print originates from the influential voyage literature associated with Captain James Cook’s Pacific expeditions, published under the editorial direction of John Hawkesworth. Issued in London in the early 1770s, these engravings played a crucial role in shaping European knowledge of the Pacific coast of North America. California was still largely unknown to European audiences at this time, and images such as this represented some of the earliest printed visual interpretations of its Indigenous populations. The engraving reflects the Enlightenment-era interest in anthropology, exploration, and the systematic documentation of cultures encountered during global voyages. While the scenes are filtered through a European lens, the careful rendering of tools, clothing, body ornamentation, and fishing techniques provides valuable insight into how these communities were perceived and recorded during the age of exploration. Such plates are highly sought after by collectors of early California history, Pacific exploration, and ethnographic imagery. They are equally appealing for institutional collections, academic contexts, or refined interiors where historically significant works on paper are appreciated for their narrative depth and documentary value. Condition Good original condition, with light age-related toning and minor surface wear consistent with an 18th-century engraving. The plate impression remains clear and evenly inked. Margins are present and stable. Framing tips This engraving presents beautifully when framed with a wide, neutral-toned mat to emphasize the margins and period character of the paper. A simple dark walnut or ebonized frame works well for a scholarly, museum-style presentation, while a lighter oak frame can soften the appearance for a residential interior. Technique Copper engraving Maker After John Hawkesworth, London, c.1774 See less