Captain James Cook (1728-1779) is best known for his three voyages to the Pacific (1768-71; 1772-75; and 1776-79). His discoveries radically changed the western understanding of the world in the late 18th century. He was the first to circumnavigate and chart New Zealand and provided the earliest European accounts of exploration along the eastern coast of Australia and the Hawaiian Islands. On February 14th, 1779, he was killed on Hawaii after attempting to kidnap the chief of the island.

Many contemporary accounts of Cook’s voyages, including charts and engravings, appeared in the late 18th century. The first official account of Cook’s first voyage was published in 1773 by John Hawkesworth in Volumes II and III of An Account of the Voyages Undertaken by the Order of His Present Majesty for Making Discoveries in the Southern Hemisphere... William Strahan and Thomas Cadell published the first official accounts of the second and third voyages in 1777 and 1784. Accounts of his exploration were subsequently translated into French, German, and Dutch.

A. Habit of a Young Woman of Otaheite Bringing a Present, circa 1793 (6.1 x 8.5"). This Tahitian view, engraved by Charles Warren, shows a native woman in an unusual and massive barrel-like skirt. Condition: This example has nice margins.

B. Habit of a Young Woman of Otaheite Dancing, circa 1793 (5.9 x 8.4"). Another Tahitian view engraved by Charles Warren, this one depicting a woman in sophisticated formal dress and hat as she sways in front of a nature scene. Condition: An example with ample margins and a couple faint spots.

C. Une Femme de Eaoo, circa 1785 (6.8 x 9.3"). This striking portrait presents a native woman of Tonga as she looks on with a serene gaze. Engraved by Robert Benard. Condition: Some marginal toning and a faint damp stain at top that just enters neatline.

References:

Condition: A

See description above.