Francesco Bartolozzi, R.A. (1725-1815), after Nathaniel Dance, R.A.

On his return to England in 1774 from Cook's second voyage, Tobias Furneaux, commander of the Adventure, brought back a young Tahitian native, Omai. On his arrival Omai caused great excitement amongst London society and was even granted an audience with the King. He was perceived as the very embodiment of Rousseau's 'noble savage'. He was returned to Tahiti on Cook's third voyage, laden with gifts and is said to have been dressed in a breastplate and helmet. Distressed at parting from his English comrades, Omai was unable to readapt to life on Huaheine and died only a few years later.