Bilder John Webber (1751–1793) – View of Christmas Harbour in Kerguelen's Land – Large Folio Engraving (1784)

Beskrivning

"A View of Christmas Harbour, in Kerguelen's Land" illustrates the desolate and rocky coastline of the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean, featuring the distinctive arched rock formation in the distance. The composition depicts Captain Cook's ships, the Resolution and Discovery, anchored in the harbor while the foreground shows sailors interacting with a large colony of penguins on the shore. This engraving was published in London in 1784 by W. and A. Strahan as part of the official account of James Cook's third and final voyage. The work serves as an important topographical record of one of the most remote locations visited during the expedition, documenting the harsh environmental conditions and unique subantarctic wildlife encountered by the crew.

John Webber was an English artist and explorer who served as the official draughtsman on Captain James Cook's third voyage to the Pacific aboard the HMS Resolution. Born in London and trained in Bern and Paris, he was selected for the expedition to provide a detailed visual record of the people, landscapes, and natural history encountered. Throughout the journey, he produced hundreds of drawings and watercolors that were later translated into high-quality copperplate engravings for the official government publication. Webber's work was instrumental in shaping the Enlightenment-era perception of the Pacific and Southern Oceans and contributed significantly to the fields of ethnography and topographical art.

Artist or Maker: John Webber.

Dimensions: Approximately 40 cm x 55 cm.

Medium: Engraving.

Date: 1784.

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.