Omai, a Native of the Island of Utietea. Proof.
London: Ca. 1830. Print. PROOF of an image held at the National Portrait Gallery UK (NPG D9175). There are differences between the two images. The later edition (NPG) has more woven texture on the cloth fabric, the foreground has more highlighting and shadow in the drape of the fabric is different. The mezzotint full length portrait of Omai depicts him as the first Polynesian Ambassador to England, after a painting ca. 1776, by Sir Joshua 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.
Omai's image was first brought to European observers by William Hodges, an artist on Cook's voyage. "Sir Joshua Reynolds, pinx.t"; "S. W. Reynolds, Sculpt". Image size 6 x 4" with impression mark 8 7/8 x 6 3/8" on paper size 19 x 13". Some very light foxing in margins, and a water tidemark in the lowest part of the paper, not approaching the impression mark. Very good overall. Item #29447
Price: $450.00