Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2010.25.13 |
Object Name |
|
Description |
"A Young Gentlewoman of Secota," c. 1590, hand-colored engraving by Theodor de Bry based on a watercolor painting by John White. De Bry's engravings were published in Frankfurt in his series, "Grand Voyages." Volume I (1590) paired de Bry's engravings with a reissue of "A Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia," written in 1588 by Thomas Harriot, who accompanied John White and approximately 600 colonists to Roanoke in 1585. Harriot's description of his year at Roanoke, was intended to serve, in part, as a justification for further colonizing efforts. This print is similar to "A Chief of Roanoke," showing the front and back views of a young partially-clad Native American woman. She is standing on the bank of a river on which people are fishing from small boats. English translation of German text: A YOUNG GENTLEWOMAN OF SECOTA Maidens of good family are dressed like the women of Secota, save that they wear a necklace instead of a chain around their necks. It is made of large, round pearls, interspersed with little beads of copper, or polished bones. They chalk their foreheads, cheeks, arms, and legs and cut their hair into two fringes and draw it into a knot at the back. They have large mouths and comely black eyes. As a sign of maidenly modesty they often put their hands upon their shoulders, thus covering their breasts. |
Title |
A Young Gentlewoman of Secota |
Date |
c. 1590 |
Role of Creator |
Engraver |
Creator |
Bry, Theodor de |
Role of Creator 2 |
Copy After |
Creator 2 |
White, John |
Medium |
hand color engraving |
Material |
paper |
Dimensions |
H-9.75 W-8.5 inches |
Credit line |
Museum purchase made possible by Terry White |
Place of Origin |
Europe/Germany/Frankfurt |
Subjects |
Explorers Expeditions & surveys Exploration Colonialism Native American Clothing & dress |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |