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Qalasirssuaq (Erasmus Augustine Kallihirua), c.1851 (oil on canvas)
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Qalasirssuaq (Erasmus Augustine Kallihirua), c.1851 (oil on canvas)
7295325 Qalasirssuaq (Erasmus Augustine Kallihirua), c.1851 (oil on canvas) by British School, (19th century); 63.4x76.2 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: In 1845, Sir John Franklin and his two ships, 'Erebus' and 'Terror', disappeared in the Canadian Arctic during their search for the North-West Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Kallihirua was one of few Inuit who became internationally known in the 19th century through their association with the Franklin searches. Even fewer left the Arctic and he was probably the first of the Northern Inuit to do so.
Greenwich Hospital Collection.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38269006
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
Arctic Arctic Circle Discoverers Eskimo Eskimoes Eskimos Explorers Indigenous People Indigineous Inuit Inuits Inuk Mens Suit Native People North Pole Oil (painting) Smart Suit Suit Suits Three Piece Suit Trouser Suit
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking portrait captures the enigmatic figure of Qalasirssuaq (Erasmus Augustine Kallihirua), a prominent Inuit individual who gained international recognition in the 19th century through his involvement in the search for Sir John Franklin and his lost expedition. Painted around 1851 by an unknown British artist, this oil on canvas piece is housed at the National Maritime Museum in London.
Kallihirua's story is intertwined with one of exploration and mystery, as he was among the few Inuit individuals to venture beyond their Arctic homeland. His encounter with European explorers like Franklin brought him into a world far removed from his own, making him a symbol of cultural exchange and curiosity during that era.
In this portrait, Kallihirua exudes a sense of dignity and resilience, dressed in traditional Inuit attire that speaks to his heritage and identity. The artist skillfully captures his features, hinting at a life shaped by both harsh Arctic conditions and encounters with outsiders.
As we gaze upon this image, we are reminded of the complex history of exploration and colonization that unfolded in the North American Arctic region. Kallihirua stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of indigenous peoples who navigated these tumultuous times with grace and strength.
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