Bilder James Cook (1728–1779) – Map of North and South Islands of New Zealand – New Zealand – Engraving (1774)

Beskrivning

"Carte de la Nlle Zelande visitée en 1769 et 1770 par le Lieutenant J. Cook Commandant de l'Endeavour Vaisseau de la Majesté" illustrates the first complete chart of the North and South Islands of New Zealand, featuring topographical relief and bathymetric soundings along the coastlines. The map documents the track of the HMS Endeavour during Cook's first voyage, identifying key geographic features such as the Cook Strait and various bays named during the expedition. This engraving was published in Paris in 1774 by Saillant and Nyon as part of the French edition of Account of the Voyages undertaken by the order of His Present Majesty for making Discoveries in the Southern Hemisphere. The work represents a landmark in Pacific cartography, effectively proving New Zealand consisted of two main islands rather than being part of a larger southern continent.

James Cook was a British naval captain, explorer, and cartographer who rose to prominence for his three monumental voyages of discovery across the Pacific Ocean. He was celebrated for his scientific approach to navigation and his ability to produce highly accurate charts of previously unmapped regions, including the east coast of Australia and the Hawaiian Islands. Cook's expeditions were multidisciplinary in nature, often carrying astronomers and naturalists to document the transit of Venus and global biodiversity. His contributions to the Royal Society and the British Admiralty fundamentally transformed the European understanding of world geography in the eighteenth century.

Artist or Maker: James Cook.

Dimensions: Approximately 52 cm x 41 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.