Virgin Islands Natives, 1700, Paper

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Virgin Islands Natives – Early American Ethnographic Engraving, c.1700 This rare early ethnographic engraving depicts two indigenous figures identified as … Read more Virgin Islands Natives – Early American Ethnographic Engraving, c.1700 This rare early ethnographic engraving depicts two indigenous figures identified as inhabitants of the Virgin Islands, shown in a classical standing pose within a coastal landscape. The plate is titled *“Iles de Virginie”* and appears as *Figure CXXVII* in the section *De l’Amerique*, reflecting the European scholarly tradition of cataloguing the peoples of the New World during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The figures are rendered according to the visual language of early Enlightenment ethnography, combining direct observation—often second-hand—with classical ideals of anatomy and proportion. Dress, ornaments, weapons, and gesture are carefully delineated, intended to communicate cultural identity to a European audience eager for knowledge of the Americas. Such images played an important role in shaping early European perceptions of indigenous societies, often blending ethnographic curiosity with allegorical and aesthetic conventions. The engraving belongs to the tradition of illustrated compendia on world cultures and antiquities, produced in France and the Low Countries around 1700. These works circulated widely among scholars, collectors, and cabinets of curiosities, and today they are valued both for their historical significance and their refined engraving technique. The crisp line work, balanced composition, and restrained use of landscape elements place full emphasis on the human figures as subjects of study. This print is particularly appealing to collectors of early Americana, colonial-era imagery, and ethnographic prints, as well as to interior designers seeking a visually strong yet intellectually grounded historical work on paper. It also pairs well with other early American or Pacific ethnographic engravings from the same period. Condition report: Good condition overall. Light age-related toning and minor spotting consistent with age. Small margins with some wear at the edges. Plate mark visible. Vertical folds as issued. No major tears or losses. Framing tips: This engraving presents beautifully in a classic black or dark walnut frame with a generous off-white or light grey mat. A museum-style float mount can emphasize the plate mark and give the sheet a refined, scholarly presence. Technique: Copper engraving Maker: After an early French source, France, c.1700 See less