Catalog Archive
Auction 135, Lot 272

"[Lot of 4 - Hawaii]"

Subject: Hawaii

Period: 1780-1790 (circa)

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This uncommon lot includes very early engraved views of Hawaii from Cook's third and final voyage. Cook explored Hawaii before heading north to explore the Pacific coast, where they tracked past the Bering Strait before being turned back by ice. The expedition then sailed south to Hawaii, where Cook was killed in a dispute with the natives at Karakakooa Bay on February 14th, 1779. Clerke, his second-in-command, took over the expedition and they surveyed further in Hawaii before returning north to continue the exploration for the Northwest Passage.

1) Vue de Karakakooa, Partie de l'Isle Owyhee, by Benard, black & white, (19.6 x 8.8"). This is a spectacular view of the bay is filled with small dugouts and larger single sail boats, the majority surrounding Cook's two ships. Good depiction of a Hawaiian village at right. This is known as the earliest view of surfing, invented by the Hawaiians. Engraved by Bernard. From a French edition of A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean (Atlas). On thick paper with very nice impression. Folding as issued. (B+)

2) Tereoboo, Roi d'Owhyee Apportant des Presents au Capitaine Cook, by Benard, black & white, (14.2 x 9"). This fine copper engraving shows the royal canoe of King Terreeoboo with a large sail and many men paddling. The royal members are wearing cloaks and headdresses, and are stationed in the middle of the boat. There are over 40 men on this one boat. It is closely followed by two large outriggers, each with about 20 men rowing. Engraved by Bernard. From a French edition of A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean (Atlas). On thick paper with dark, early impression. (A)

3) A Canoe of the Sandwich Islands, in the North Pacific Ocean, with the Rowers Masked., drawn by J. Webber and engraved by Page, hand color, (7 x 5.5"). This exceptional image is from a smaller edition of the Webber Hawaiian War Canoe illustration showing the men wearing ceremonial gourd and feather. From the Official Account of Cook's Third Voyage. (A)

4) Terreeoboo, King of Owhyhee, an Island in the North Pacific Ocean, bringing Presents to Captn. Cook, by J. Webber & W. Grainger, hand color, (7 x 5.4"). This image shows the same royal canoe as #2 above, but from the other side. (A)

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Condition:

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Estimate: $600 - $800

Sold for: $750

Closed on 2/16/2011

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