Dynastie des Pomare (from 'Legendes Polynesiennes' series) 1991

This work was commissioned from French artist Jean-François Favre by D and R Koenig of the small Tahitian publishing firm Edition Haere Po No Tahiti. Interested in producing a publication documenting the stories, history and legends of French Polynesia, the Koenigs were immediately drawn to Favre's distinctive linocuts on wood veneer.

This particular image depicts the Pomare family, who were the last kings and queens to rule over Tahiti. Distinctive figures include Queen Pomare IV, a Queen Victoria–like figure who strongly resisted French attempts to seize the territories during her 30-year reign, and King Pomare V, her son, who surrendered his territories to France. This print later became the inspiration for Tahitian tifaifai (appliqué quilt) artist Aline Amaru, who appropriated the images for her work La Famille Pomare (tifaifai) (Pa'oti style).

Born in the small village of Les Boucholeurs, France in 1940, Favre lived and worked in French Polynesia from 1966 to 1973. While in Tahiti, his work was regularly exhibited at the Galerie des Tropiques in Papeete: since his return to France he has participated in exhibitions in Paris, the provinces and abroad.