Bilder Captain James Cook (1728-1779) – Map of Cook Strait – New Zealand – Engraving (1774)

Beskrivning

"Carte du Detroit de Cook dans la N.le Zelande." This maritime chart provides a detailed topographical and hydrographic survey of the strait separating the North and South Islands of New Zealand, now known as Cook Strait. The map features a prominent compass rose at the center and identifies various coastal landmarks such as Queen Charlotte Sound, Admiralty Bay, and Cape Palliser. This engraving was published in the French edition of the official account of the voyages, printed in Paris by Saillant and Nyon. It represents a significant milestone in Pacific exploration, being the first European chart to accurately document the navigable passage through the New Zealand archipelago.

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 32 cm x 36 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.