A New World: England’s first view of America
15 March – 17 June 2007
Room 5
Exhibition closed
The extraordinary watercolours of John White gave the Elizabethan world its first glimpse of America, ultimately shaping its view of the New World. This exhibition focuses on more than 70 watercolours made by White on the voyages to Virginia (now North Carolina) in the 1580s.
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John White, The manner of their attire and painting them selves, a watercolour, c1585-1593. More information
John White, The manner of their attire and painting them selves, a watercolour, c1585-1593.
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John White, A native American woman and child of Pomeiooc, a watercolour, c1585-1593
John White, A native American woman and child of Pomeiooc, a watercolour, c1585-1593.
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John White, An native American conjuror, a watercolour, c1585-1593
John White, An native American conjuror, a watercolour, c1585-1593.
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John White, A festive dance, a watercolour, c1585-1593. More information
John White, A festive dance, a watercolour, c1585-1593.
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John White, The manner of their fishing, a watercolour, c1585-1583. More information
John White, The manner of their fishing, a watercolour, c1585-1583.
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John White, A flying fish, a watercolour, c1585-1593
John White, A flying fish, a watercolour, c1585-1593.
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John White, A land crab, a watercolour, c1585-1593
John White, A land crab, a watercolour, c1585-1593.
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John White, A common box tortoise, a watercolour, c1585-1593
John White, A common box tortoise, a watercolour, c1585-1593.
These images are the earliest visual record by an Englishman of the flora, fauna and people of America and provide us with an idea of how fascinating this strange New World must have been to Europeans of the late 16th century.
A New World looks at the lasting impact John White's watercolours had on the Old World's impression of America. His legacy continued for over 250 years after his death thanks to the reproduction and adaptation of his work by later artists, a selection of which is displayed in the exhibition.
Supported by The Annenberg Foundation