Catalog Archive
Auction 127, Lot 749

"Rawak Island near Waygiou", Forrest, Thomas

Subject: New Guinea

Period: 1779 (dated)

Publication: A Voyage to New Guinea & The Moluccas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20 x 9.5 inches
50.8 x 24.1 cm
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This handsome engraving is from Thomas Forrest's journey of exploration from 1774-1776, on behalf of the East India Company, to western New Guinea. The expedition was made in search of spices beyond the Molucca Islands, which were then claimed by the Dutch. This map shows the tiny Rawak Island off the coast of Waygiou (Waygeo), which is in the Raja Ampat Islands archipelago off the western coast of Papua New Guinea. Above the plans of the island and harbor is a coastal view showing native outrigger canoes. This engraving is from the second edition, which contained a number of detailed sketches and plans omitted from the first edition due to the cost.

References:

Condition: A

Issued folding, now flattened.

Estimate: $200 - $240

Sold for: $150

Closed on 2/25/2009

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