A Native Dance (Aubry de La Mottraye's "Travels throughout Europe, Asia and into Part of Africa...," London, 1724, vol. I, pl. 11)

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 18th-century travel literature with *A Native Dance*, a captivating etching and engraving from Aubry de La Mottraye's monumental *Travels throughout Europe, Asia and into of Africa* (London, 1724, vol. I, pl. 11). Created between 1723 and 1724, this print9 13/16 x 13 9/16 in.) captures a lively scene of women and girls in traditional dance, offering European audiences a rare glimpse into "exotic" customs encountered during de La Mottraye's adventures. As part of the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it exemplifies how illustrated travelogues bridged distant cultures during the Enlightenment era. The artwork draws on talents including Jean Baptiste Vanmour, renowned for his detailed depictions of Ottoman life; William Hogarth, the satirical English master; and traveler Aubry de La Mottraye himself. Etching and engraving techniques allowed for precise lines and rich tonal contrasts, making intricate costumes, expressive poses, and rhythmic movements leap off the page. These printmaking methods were revolutionary for disseminating such imagery widely through books, fueling fascination with global diversity. This piece holds cultural significance as an early window into non-Western traditions, blending observation with artistic interpretation to spark curiosity about dance as a universal expression of joy and community. A delightful artifact of exploration and artistry!

About the Artist

Jean Baptiste Vanmour|William Hogarth|Aubry de La Mottraye · 1671–1737

Comment on works: Architecture; Portraits; Genre; Turkish scenes