Omai of the Friendly Isles

"Portrait of Mai (Omai) (also known as Portrait of Omai) is an oil-on-canvas painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds, completed around 1776. It depicts Omai, a Polynesian visitor to England, showcasing Reynolds's mastery of Rococo-inspired elegance and refinement. Reynolds meticulously created a sketch and study before the final work, emphasizing the sitter's unique features and dignity. This portrait captures the cultural exchange and fascination of the period, and exemplifies Reynolds’s skill in portraiture during the late 18th century."