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Queen Liliuokalani Portrait Photograph

James J. Williams

A studio photograph of Queen Liliuokalani taken by photographer James J. Williams, showing her in formal dress and jewelry.

This photograph depicts Liliuokalani herself, offering a direct visual record of her appearance and status as queen.

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Black and white studio portrait of a woman seated in a carved chair, wearing a dark dress with a sash, a flower brooch, a jeweled necklace, earrings, bracelets and a watch, with flowers in her curled hair.
James J. Williams, portrait photograph of Queen Liliuokalani.

About this source

What it is

This is a black and white studio photograph of Queen Liliuokalani, taken by photographer James J. Williams. It shows her seated in a carved chair, dressed in a dark gown with a sash, wearing a flower brooch, a jeweled necklace, earrings, bracelets, and a watch, with flowers arranged in her curled hair.

Why it matters

Photographs like this one were an important way for monarchs such as Liliuokalani to present themselves publicly. As the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, her image carried political weight, showing dignity and status at a time when Hawaiian sovereignty was under threat. This portrait gives students a direct, primary look at how she chose to be seen.

Look closer

  • What does her clothing and jewelry suggest about her status?
  • Why might a photographer pose a monarch in this particular way?
  • What does this image not tell us about her life or her reign?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Queen Liliʻuokalani on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Black-and-white studio portrait of a woman standing full length beside an upholstered chair with a fur-like back, wearing a light pale gown with ruffled trim, a long train pooling on the floor, a dark sash across her chest with a decorative badge, and a necklace. Painted backdrop of foliage behind her.Book

Primary source

Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen

Liliʻuokalani · 1898

Page of the 1898 Joint Resolution to Provide for Annexing the Hawaiian Islands to the United States, handwritten annotation 'Public Resolution No. 51' at top, with printed text of the resolution's preamble and sections below.Document

Primary source

Joint Resolution to Provide for Annexing the Hawaiian Islands to the United States

United States Congress · 7 July 1898

Sheet music cover for 'Aloha Oe', reading 'Aloha Oe. Song and Chorus', with an ornate border, a crown and 'Oniipaa' monogram emblem, and text 'Composed by Her Royal Highness Princess Liliuokalani, of Honolulu, Oahu, H.I.' Published by The Pacific Music Co., 208 Post St., San Francisco, Cal.Artifact

Primary source

Aloha ʻOe

Liliʻuokalani · c. 1877-1878

Black-and-white studio portrait of a seated woman in a dark dress with lace trim at the bodice, hands folded in her lap, wearing rings. She sits in an ornate carved wooden armchair with upholstered back and arms against a pale paneled backdrop.Photograph

Primary source

Liliuokalani in 1891

James J. Williams · 1891

Photograph of a large patchwork quilt with nine square blocks in a three by three grid, bordered in dark brown. Blocks feature crazy-quilt piecing in varied fabrics, embroidery, and embroidered text, with a central block of blue and red fabric bearing printed script.Artifact

Primary source

Imprisonment Quilt

Liliʻuokalani · 1895

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