Hawaii King David Kalakaua, cabinet photo.
Honolulu: Menzies Dickson, c. 1880. Original cabinet photograph of King David Kalakaua aka David La'Amea Kamananakapu Mahinulani Naloiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalakaua (1836 -- 1891). Sometimes called "The Merrie Monarch," he was the last king of the Kingdom of Hawai'i, reigning from February 12, 1874, until his death in 1891. Kalakaua had a convivial personality and enjoyed entertaining guests with his singing and ukulele playing. At his coronation and his birthday jubilee, the hula that had been banned from public in the kingdom became a celebration of Hawaiian culture.
During his reign, the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 brought great prosperity to the kingdom. In 1881, he took a trip around the world to encourage the immigration of contract sugar plantation workers. He began a government-financed program to sponsor qualified students to be sent abroad to further their education. In 1887, he was pressured to sign a new constitution that made the monarchy little more than a figurehead position. He had faith in his sister Lili'uokalani's abilities to rule as regent when he named her as his heir-apparent in 1877. After his death, she became the last monarch of Hawai'i.
4.25 x 6.5", no backmark but attributed to Menzies Dickson (1840-1891) who had a studio at 61 Fort Street in Honolulu. Very good condition. Item #26380
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