Omai, a native of the island of Utietea. Print after a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds.
London: Ca. 1820. A mezzotint full length portrait of the first Polynesian Ambassador to England, after a painting ca. 1776, by Reynolds. Omai traveled with Captain Cook as an interpreter on his 2nd & 3rd voyages, and was the physical embodiment of the "noble savage" in London Society for a time. Omai is portrayed in flowing "oriental" robes and a white turban or headdress not of Tahitian style, with arm outstretched highlighting the tattoos.
Omai's image was first brought to European observers by William Hodges, an artist on Cook's voyage. Engraved by Samuel William Reynolds, 1773-1835. Light even foxing, and a short closed tear inside the wide right margin. Engraved image size: 6 1/2 x 9"; paper size 13 x 19 1/4" Very good overall. Item #21294
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