AFTER NATHANIEL DANCE, R. A.,

Mai (called Omai by the English) was the first recorded Polynesian to visit England. He travelled from Tahiti to London in 1774 with the navigator James Cook. On arrival Mai was promoted in the fashionable societies of London by his patrons Lord Sandwich and Sir Joseph Banks. He was a subject of great interest for scientists, anthropologist and artists, and he was the talk of the aristocracy. Joshua Reynolds captured his likeness in his 'Portrait of Omai', which was exhibited at the Royal academy in 1776.