Lot Kamehameha

Art Historical Context

This evocative 1867 print, titled *Lot Kamehameha*, King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa), the fifth and final monarch of Hawaii's Kamehameha dynasty, who reigned from 1863 to 1872. Produced by an unidentified artist, belongs to the Smithsonian American Art's collection, acquired through the Victor Proetz Memorial Fund As a portrait print, it reflects the era's growing interest in disseminating images of world leaders via affordable reproductive media like lithography, making royal likenesses accessible beyond elite circles. The composition blends portraiture with landscape elements, featuring architectural details and an awning that suggest an outdoor Hawaiian setting, perhaps evoking the king's connection to his island homeland amid rapid modernization. Kamehameha V navigated a turbulent time for the Hawaiian Kingdom, resisting Western influences while promoting native governance—context that adds depth to this dignified depiction of the sovereign. Though the artist's identity remains unknown, the print's documentary style underscores 19th-century portrait conventions, prioritizing recognizable features and symbolic backdrops to convey authority and cultural identity. A fascinating glimpse into Hawaiian royalty for modern visitors.