Bilder Captain James Cook (1728-1779) – Map of the Bays and Harbours of Tahiti and Ulietea – Engraving (1774)

Beskrivning

"Baye de Matavai a Otahiti," "Havre d'Owharre dans l'Isle d'Huaheine," "Havre d'Ohamaneno a Ulietea," and "Havre d'Oopoa a Ulietea." This print features four distinct hydrographic charts on a single sheet, documenting the coastal findings from the first voyage to the South Pacific. The upper left chart shows Matavai Bay, where the transit of Venus was observed, while the remaining charts detail natural harbours in the Society Islands. These engravings were published in the French edition of the official account of the voyages, printed in Paris by Saillant and Nyon. The work is a fundamental record of maritime exploration, providing the first accurate European cartography of the Polynesian islands and their navigable waters.

Captain James Cook was a British naval officer, cartographer, and explorer who achieved international fame for his three voyages of discovery to the Pacific Ocean. He was renowned for his application of scientific methods to navigation and for his dedication to accurate coastal surveying under challenging conditions. His first voyage aimed to observe the transit of Venus and to search for the hypothesized southern continent, leading to the detailed charting of New Zealand and the eastern coast of Australia. Cook’s contributions revolutionized European understanding of global geography and established a legacy of rigorous maritime exploration and ethnographic documentation.

Artist or Maker: Captain James Cook.

Dimensions: Approximately 40 cm x 26 cm.

Medium: Engraving.

Date: 1774.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.