FREMINVILLE, Christophe-Paulin de La Poix, chevalier de (1787-1848). Vue du principal village et dup pic de l'isle de Borabora (archipel de la Societe). [ca 1820].

Single sheet (8 x 10 2/8 inches), laid down on heavier stock. Fine original drawing of Bora Bora in the Society Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, showing the distinctive extinct volcano, pen and black, blue, green, yellow and ochre ink.

$9,000.00

Christophe Paulin Chevalier de las Poix de Freminiville, sailor and naturalist began his career on the seas in 1801, inspired by the voyages of Captain James Cook, which he is reputed to have read for the first time at the age of 8. Rising steadily through the ranks he became a captain in 1830. During his many years at sea Freminiville was involved in several scientific expeditions; one of the earliest this voyage to the Arctic in 1819. Between the years 1822 and 1823 he sailed with the Frigate "La Nereide" to the coast of west Africa. Between 1823-1829 he sailed along the Central and Southern American coastline, and as on all his voyages, drawing coastal profiles and views, and specimens of exotic creatures, some of which were named in his honour, including a number of marine species, but most notably the Eagle Ray (Myliobatis Fremonvillei).

The Society Islands were named by Captain Cook during his voyage of discovery and include the island of Tahiti.