A Man of Sta. Christina and A Woman of Sta. Christina
Artist/Maker
Artist Unknown
(Artist Unknown)
Date1784-1786
Mediumengraving
DimensionsSheet: 9 5/8 x 14 3/8 in. (24.4 x 36.5 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Drs. Ann and Robert Walzer
Terms
Object number2004.50.9.22
DescriptionJohn Hall’s engraving of a woman from Santa Christina (Tahuata, Marquesas Islands), published in volume one of Cook’s 1777 account, may have served as a basic artistic model for this print, but Hogg’s engraver was unable to capture any of the realistic detail of the original. His stilted figures appear sculptural rather than human, lacking any sort of animation or individuality. He has added large earrings and a short, beaded necklace to the woman, who wears a turban and longer strings of beads in the original engraving. The man’s facial features, with his long, dark hair and paler beard, are similar to those of the chief and other male figures in the print depicting Cook’s landing on Eua. Both are presented as generic types, styled classically and, like other images in the publication, identifiable only through their captions. This engraving, more than any other, is indicative of Hogg’s somewhat lacking interest in presenting accurate reproductions of previously published illustrations and his employment in some cases of less skillful engravers.On View
Not on viewCollections
Artist Unknown
1784-1786
