Details: This very rare and desirable original antique engraving on laid paper is entitled "The Death of Captain Cook" and was made by Francesco Bartolozzi and William Byrne after John Webber. It was published by Webber in London in 1784, not long after the event itself on February 14, 1779.

In this fascinating and highly detailed view we see Captain James Cook at the edge of the shore at Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii. Hawaiian natives are gathered behind him brandishing spears, one raises a stave preparing to stab the Captain who holds a rifle at his side and gestures to the left in an attempt to stop his companions firing on the crowd. Members of his crew can be seen pulling away in a boat, others swimming towards it, other still on shore, fighting for their lives. A wounded officer seated on the ground in the foreground raises a rifle to fire at his Captain's attacker.

John Webber was one of the most accomplished of all of Cook's artists, and as the official artist of the third Voyage was aboard ship in the bay at the time of Cook's death. It is scarcely surprising that on his return he painted his own version of the most famous event in the entire voyage. Indeed, he is known to have completed at least two versions, the first in watercolours and the second in oils. Although several different depictions of the scene in Hawaii were current, Webber's is perhaps the most famous version of this cataclysmic event. Reflecting the general opinion prevailing in published accounts of the voyage, the image, as Joppien and Smith argue, shows Cook as "an innocent victim, killed in the act of pleading for peace."

The engraving is handsomely matted and framed to approx. 36"x29" overall.

Please attend our live sale to inspect this monumental print in person.
Condition / Notes: This scarce original work shows attractively light toning and has not been examined outside its mat and frame.

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