1846 Engraving “Vue d’un intérieur de Matavaï Îles Taïti” Dumont Tahiti Voyage

Rare. Only 700 were printed and estimated less than 300 remain. Original 1846 French steel engraving titled “Vue d’un intérieur de Matavaï” (View of the Interior of Matavai), from the Îles Taïti (Tahiti Islands) series published in Paris by Gide & Cie for Jules S.-C. Dumont d’Urville’s Voyage au Pôle Sud et dans l’Océanie (Atlas Pittoresque, octavo edition). Drawn by Pierre-Charles Danvin (Danvin del) and engraved by Louis-Auguste Chavane (Chavane sc.), this authentic 19th-century expedition print depicts a tranquil scene from Matavai Bay, Tahiti — two Tahitian figures by the water with a thatched dwelling and volcanic peaks rising behind. Matavai Bay was the historic anchorage of Captain Cook and later French explorers during the early contact period with Polynesia. • Date: 1846 (Paris: Gide & Compagnie) • Publication: Voyage au Pôle Sud et dans l’Océanie – Atlas Pittoresque (8vo edition) • Plate No.: 154 • Artist: Danvin del (drawn by Pierre-Charles Danvin) • Engraver: Chavane sc (engraved by Louis-Auguste Chavane) • Medium: Steel engraving on wove paper • Sheet Size: 7 × 4.75 in (≈ 18 × 12 cm) • Condition: good antique condition for age; mild toning, light edge wear; strong plate impression; blank verso; unframed. Shipped in a tube #Tahiti #IlesTaiti #Matavai #DumontDurville #1846Engraving #VoyagePittoresque #PacificIslands #FrenchExploration #Danvin #Chavane #AntiqueEngraving #PolynesiaArt #HistoricTahiti #TravelArt #19thCenturyPrint