The Reception of the Rev. J. Williams at Tanna in the South Seas, the day before he was Massacred.
London: George Baxter, 1841. Rev. John Williams was an ill-fated missionary from the London Missionary Society, who traveled to Tanna (Rarotonga, New Hebrides) on board the ship Camden. Baxter published a pair of companion prints memorializing his friend when he heard of his demise. The print represents the moment when the launch touches the shore at Tanna. Williams stands on the launch, his hand outstretched, hat in hand. Behind him sit other missionaries and sailors, offering colored trinkets to the natives. A native in Western clothes attempts to draw the native chief towards Williams, but their large group looks skeptical at best. Beautiful twin peaks, one an active volcano, are in the background, along with the ship Camden to the right of the print. A large size Baxter print, in beautiful color. 32 x 21.2 cm. Beautiful original color, mounted on a plain cream card mount. Very slightly foxed otherwise very good condition. This print was issued unsigned by Baxter in the plate. Courtney Lewis 82a. Item #13023
Price: $450.00