New Caledonia prison end of the 19th century Exceptional engraving on a pearl oyster (pinctada margaretifera) by Joseph MULLER, serial number 7998, sentenced to prison for counterfeiting in 1875, died on 29 August 1888 on the Ile de Nou. Inspired by the book by François-René de CHATEAUBRIAND, it depicts the death of ATALA: the Chactas Indian mourning in front of his shroud in which she rests with her bare breasts, Father Aubry in the distance leaning on a cane. Signed J. Muller in English. MANQUE H: 21.5 cm, L: 19.3 cm