Hawaii, Captain Cook’s Death – Original 1817 Third Voyage Engraving

Description

Hawaii Death of Cook engraving published in 1817, depicting the final confrontation and death of Captain James Cook at Kealakekua Bay on 14 February 1779.

This original antique copperplate engraving  devoted to the voyages of Captain James Cook. It was published in France in 1817.

Cook’s third and final Pacific expedition began in 1776. After sailing through the South Pacific and exploring the northwest coast of North America, his ships returned to the Hawaiian Islands. Relations between the expedition and the islanders eventually deteriorated. Following the theft of a ship’s boat, Cook attempted to detain the Hawaiian ruler Kalaniʻōpuʻu as a means of securing its return. The confrontation escalated, and Cook was killed on the shore of Kealakekua Bay on 14 February 1779.

The engraving presents the event as a dramatic historical scene. Cook and the British sailors are surrounded by Hawaiian warriors, while other members of the expedition attempt to reach their boats. The turbulent water, dense tropical vegetation and numerous figures reinforce the intensity of the confrontation.

Images of Cook’s death circulated widely throughout Europe and played an important role in shaping the heroic and tragic reputation of the explorer. This compact 1817 plate is a particularly evocative example of early nineteenth-century French travel illustration.

Details:

– Location: Kealakekua Bay, Island of Hawaii
– Subject: death of Captain James Cook
– Historical event: 14 February 1779
– Expedition: Captain Cook’s third voyage
– Publication date: 1817
– Technique: copperplate engraving
– Colour: black and white
– Overall sheet size: 15.3 × 11.9 cm
– Engraved image size: 12.2 × 8.5 cm

A highly evocative historical print for collectors of Captain Cook, Hawaii, Pacific exploration, maritime history, ethnographic imagery and antique travel engravings.