John Webber (After), John Sherwin (Engraver)

A Young Woman of Otaheite, Dancing

A Young Woman of Otaheite, Dancing by John Webber, John Sherwin

Artwork Detail

This engraving is essentially a detail of plate 28, A Dance in Otaheite (2006/3/10). Both record heivas where Cook and his crew were treated to dancing, singing and music. Much attention has been paid to the costume, which William Anderson noted was “truly picturesque and elegant”. The long skirt is finished with a great tapa ruff attached at the back and balls of feathers cover the breast. The head-dress of plaited hair is adorned with Cape jasmin.

(See J&S Vol. III, Text pp.55-7, Cat. 3.104-3.105)

Title
A Young Woman of Otaheite, Dancing
Artist/creator
John Webber, John Sherwin
Production date
1784
Medium
engraving on paper
Dimensions
280 x 228 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, purchased 2007
Accession no
2007/29/9
Copyright
No known copyright restrictions
Department
New Zealand Art
Display status
Not on display

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