Repas des habitans de la terre de Diemen

Publisher Madame Veuve Hocquart (French)

Date1811 - 1814

Object number00017858

NameEngraving

MediumColoured engraving on paper.

DimensionsOverall: 248 x 190 mm, 0.006 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA coloured stipple engraving titled 'Repas des habitans de la terre de Diemen' [Meal of the inhabitants of Van Dieman's Land] from the book 'Moeurs et Coutumes des Peuples ...' published in Paris by Madame Veuve Hocquart 1811 - 1814. The image depicts a group of Indigenious Tasmanians fishing just off shore while one places a crab from the catch onto the campfire. The title appears beneath the image while the inscriptions above the image read 'Terres australes' and '136'.HistoryIdentified from the Hordern House 2009 Acquisition Catalogue as coming from the book 'Moeurs et coutumes des peuples, ou, Collection de tableaux : representant les usages remarquables, les mariages, funerailles, supplices, et fetes : des diverses nations du monde' published by Madame Veuve Hocquart between 1811 - 1814 in Paris. There is a four page description accompanying the engraving in the book. There is a copy of the book in the collection of the National Library of Australia reference number 2752405.SignificanceThis engraving is part of a larger published study of people perceived as being from the 'old' or 'new' worlds, concentrating on ceremonial events and native customs. The spirit behind the work is very much that of the Enlightenment – a tremendous curiosity about newly discovered parts of the world.