Alexandre Marie Colin

Paris, Salon, 1841, no. 363

The canvas has been re-lined. There are scattered areas of retouching visible under ultraviolet light, notably to the lower half of the composition, and to the left of the sky. Apart from scattered fine craquelure, notably to the loincloth of the male figure, this work is in good condition, with fine detail and rich colours, and ready to hang. Held in a decorative, gold-painted moulded plaster and wood frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Colin's painting of proud parents from the island of Nuku Hiva on the shores of Tahiti was by far the most exotic of the seven works that he exhibited in the Paris Salon of 1841.

Interest in Polynesia, the islands of Nuku Hiva and Tahiti and their colourful inhabitants had been heightened by the recent visit to each of the French expeditionary ships the Astrolabe and Zélée commanded by Rear Admiral Durmont d'Urville during his exploration of the South Pacific between 1837-40. The French convoy had visited both islands in September 1838, and whilst at anchor off Nuku-Hiva Mate Oumo, Prince of the island, was received on board the Zélée. A full history of Dumont's voyage and its scientific findings was published in twenty-three volumes between 1841 and 1854.

The islands of Nuku Hiva and Tahiti are, respectively, the largest of the islands in the Marquesas and Windward Isles.