Collection: Posters and reproductions of the Pirogues of Oceania – Voyage of the Astrolabe

The " Pirogues d'Océanie " collection presents an exceptional series of drawings made by François Edmond Pâris during the voyage of the Astrolabe (1826-1829). These works illustrate a wide variety of traditional boats encountered throughout the Pacific islands, from the canoes of the New Zealand coast to the outrigger boats of Vanikoro, the proa of the Caroline Islands, and the canoes of Batavia. Each drawing accurately captures the technical details and cultural particularities of these vessels, true testaments to the maritime genius of the peoples of Oceania. This entire collection offers a fascinating insight into the maritime traditions of this region of the world and the meticulous observation of Pâris, who combined artistic sensitivity and scientific rigor in his exploration of these unique vessels.