Items Similar to Polynesian and Maori Figures – Inhabitants of Nuku Hiva
New Zealand Canoe 1845
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9
Polynesian and Maori Figures – Inhabitants of Nuku Hiva
New Zealand Canoe 1845
$347.05
£259.81
€290
CA$477.76
A$522.29
CHF 276.31
MX$6,250.02
NOK 3,515.70
SEK 3,218.27
DKK 2,209.44
About the Item
Polynesian and Maori Figures – Inhabitants of Nuku Hiva and New Zealand Canoe, c.1845
This beautifully hand-colored lithograph, titled “Océanie – Polynésie,” originates from Le Monde en Estampes: Types et Costumes des Principaux Peuples de l’Univers, published in Paris around 1845–1850 by Amédée Bedelet. Drawn by Leloir, lithographed by J. Bocquin, and printed by Lemercier, this composition exemplifies the 19th-century French fascination with the peoples and landscapes of the Pacific, rendered here with both artistic elegance and ethnographic imagination.
The scene contrasts two cultural groups of the South Pacific — the tattooed habitants de Nouka-Hiva (Îles Marquises) (inhabitants of Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands) and the naturels et pirogue de la Nlle Zélande (Maoris and canoe of New Zealand). On the left, under the shade of a great tree, a Marquesan man reclines with calm authority, his body adorned with intricate tattoos (tā moko), wearing a white cloth and a grand feathered headdress of red and white plumes. Facing him, a woman with a pink skirt and blue drapery stands gracefully, her back also covered in bold tattoos — an emblem of rank, beauty, and identity among Polynesian islanders.
On the right, a finely carved pirogue (canoe) glides across calm waters, carrying Maori figures. Two men wrapped in flax cloaks stand proudly near the prow, holding paddles and wearing traditional ornaments, while two paddlers row from the stern. Their presence evokes the seafaring mastery of the Maori people, whose elaborate waka (canoes) were essential to both warfare and ceremony. The background’s gentle cliffs and tropical vegetation evoke an idealized vision of the Pacific islands as seen through European Romanticism — remote, harmonious, and noble.
This plate reflects the ethnographic interests of mid-19th-century France, when Polynesia was viewed as an untouched paradise and a mirror of “natural man.” Leloir’s detailed drawing captures both human dignity and decorative splendor, while Lemercier’s printing and Bocquin’s delicate coloring convey subtle skin tones, feather textures, and ocean light with great refinement.
Condition report: Excellent impression with bright original coloring. Light foxing in margins; image area clean and crisp. Wide borders intact.
Framing tips: Best presented with a soft ivory mat and a dark teak or mahogany frame, echoing the natural tones of the Pacific landscape. A thin inner mat in light blue or coral can highlight the ocean and feather hues.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: J. Bocquin after Leloir, printed by Lemercier, Paris, circa 1845
- Dimensions:Height: 9.06 in (23 cm)Width: 11.82 in (30 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1845
- Condition:Condition report: Excellent impression with bright original coloring. Light foxing in margins; image area clean and crisp. Wide borders intact.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13682-231stDibs: LU3054347442032
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,792 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllGuardians of Heritage: Maori Chiefs and Families from Hiva Oa and Tewaaiti, 1836
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Maori Chiefs and Families from Hiva Oa and Tewaaiti
Description: This lithograph, part of the early 19th-century collection documenting indigenous peoples of the Pacific, f...
Category
Antique 1830s Swiss Prints
Materials
Paper
"Natives of the Island of Rotuma: Antique Ethnographic Print, circa 1825
Located in Langweer, NL
This antique print titled "Naturels de l'Ile Rotouma" depicts the indigenous people of the Island of Rotuma. The print offers a glimpse into the appearance and attire of the island's...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$363 Sale Price
20% Off
Maori Traditional Dress – Antique Hand-Colored Engraving, New Zealand, 1803
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Hand-Colored Engraving “Nieuw-Zeelanders” (Maori), Early 19th Century
A beautifully hand-colored ethnographic engraving depicting three Māori figures of New Zealand, titled ...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
Indigenous Australians – Antique Hand-Colored Ethnographic Print c.1805
Located in Langweer, NL
Indigenous Australians – Antique Hand-Colored Ethnographic Print c.1805
This striking hand-colored ethnographic print titled “Nieuw-Hollanders” (N...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
New Hebrides (Vanuatu) Indigenous Family – Antique Hand-Colored Engraving, 1803
Located in Langweer, NL
New Hebrides (Vanuatu) Indigenous Family – Antique Hand-Colored Engraving
Original hand-colored engraving of the people of the New Hebrides (today known as Vanuatu), taken from the ...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Print of Natives of the Caroline Islands by Honegger, 1836
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Bewohner der Karolineninseln, Habitans des Iles Carolines'. This print depicts natives of the Caroline Islands (pacific). Origin...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Caribbean Indigenous People / Orinoco, America, mid 19th century lithograph.
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Famiglia di Karaibi' / 'Tartarnughe deponenti le uova alle sponde dell' Orenoko''
Italian lithograph, c1841. Originally from 'Galleria universale di tutti i popoli del mondo' by Gi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Indigenous Costumes - Original Lithograph - 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Indigenous Costumes is an original lithograph realized by an anonymous engraver of the 19th Century.
Printed as part of the series "France Pittoresque", as indicated at the top cent...
Category
19th Century Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Ancient African Customs - Lithograph by Auguste Wahlen - 1844
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient African Customs is a lithograph made by Auguste Wahlen in 1844.
Hand colored.
Good condition.
At the center of the artwork is the original title "Africa" and subtitle "Vil...
Category
1840s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Ancient African Customs - Lithograph by Auguste Wahlen - 1844
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient African Customs is a lithograph realized by Auguste Wahlen in 1844.
Hand colored.
Good condition.
At the center of the artwork is the original title "Africa" and subtitle ...
Category
1840s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Noukahiwa - Lithograph by Auguste Wahlen - 1844
Located in Roma, IT
Noukahiwa is a hand colored lithographs realized by Auguste Wahlen in 1844.
Good conditions.
The artwork belongsto the Suite Moeurs, usages et costume...
Category
1840s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Ancient African Customs - Lithograph by Auguste Wahlen - 1844
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient African Customs is a lithograph made by Auguste Wahlen in 1844.
Hand colored.
Good condition.
At the center of the artwork is the original title "Africa" and subtitle "Sig...
Category
1840s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
