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The Death of Captain Cook

Print
1780s (printed)
Artist/Maker
Bartolozzi, Francesco (R.A.) (engraver)
Byrne, William (engraver)
Webber, John (R.A.) (artist)
Place of origin
London (printed)

A composition of many figures gathered along the shore of the Kealakekua bay, Hawaii. A crowd of natives has gathered, and Cook is seen rather to the right of the middle; one of the natives is about to stab him in the back. To the left is a boat of sailors and marines preparing their escape. Two marines swim toward the boat.


Object details

Categories
Portraits
Prints
Object type
Print
TitleThe Death of Captain Cook (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Engraving and etching on paper
Paper
Etching
Engraving
Brief description
'The Death of Captain Cook', engraving and etching by Francesco Bartolozzi and William Byrne, after John Webber, 1780s.
Physical description
A composition of many figures gathered along the shore of the Kealakekua bay, Hawaii. A crowd of natives has gathered, and Cook is seen rather to the right of the middle; one of the natives is about to stab him in the back. To the left is a boat of sailors and marines preparing their escape. Two marines swim toward the boat.
Dimensions
  • Cut height: 42.5cm
  • Cut width: 58.1cm
Dimensions taken from Marshall, Julian. A Catalogue of Engraved National Portraits in the National Art Library. London: HMSO, 1895.
Style
British School
Marks and inscriptions
'Drawing by J. Webber The Figures Engraved by F. Bartolozzi, R.A. Engraver to His Majesty. The Landscape by W. Byrne To the Right Honourable Lords Commissioners of the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, &c. This plate representing The Death of Captain Cook is humbly inscribed. By their Lordships most obedient and devoted servant John Webber.' (Lettered)
Subjects depicted
Death
Man
Explorer
Captain
Tribes
Sea
Shore
Marines
Boat
Cook, James (Captain)
The Death of Captain Cook
Place depicted
Hawaii
Collection
Prints, Drawings & Paintings Collection
Accession number
25843

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Record createdJune 30, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O630506/the-death-of-captain-cook-print-bartolozzi-francesco-ra/
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