John Webber

A View of Kauai, Hawaii as Seen by Captain Cook: An Original 18th C. Engraving

1785

"The Fleet of Otaheite, Assembled at Oparee" is an original 18th century engraving from a drawing by William Hodges (1744-1797), who was the artist who accompanies Captain Cook on hi...

"A Canoe of the Sandwich Islands, the Rowers Masked" is an engraving created by Charles Grignion, from a drawing by John Webber (1752-1793), who was the artist on Captain James Cook's 3rd and final voyage of discovery. It is Plate 65 in the atlas of "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean Undertaken by the Command of His Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere", the official British Admiralty sanctioned journal published upon completion of the voyage in London in 1784 by Strahan & Cadell. This famous image of ten Hawaiian rowers transporting a priest who is carrying a feather-covered image of Kukailimoku, the Hawaiian god of war. The priests and paddlers are all wearing gourd masks in their double-hulled canoe with an upright lateen woven sail. Each hull was shaped from a single large Koa log harvested from island rainforests, where they were carved before being transported to the coast. This engraving is presented in a Koa wood frame and a white mat. There are occasional faint spots, but the print is otherwise in very good condition. Koa is the same wood as was used to make the canoe. Koa wood is legendary in Hawaii. Not only is this amazing wood native to Hawaii, but it is known for the deep rich colors and varied grain pattern. Koa has an honored heritage in Hawaii and is highly revered and sacred. The word “koa” means “warrior” in Hawaiian. The warriors of King Kamehameha the Great, created canoes and weapons from a wood plentiful on the Big Island of Hawaii. This wood became synonymous with the warriors themselves, and it became known as koa. The frame measures 20.75" high, 26.75" wide and 0.88" deep. There are three other engravings listed from the official journal of Captain Cook's 3rd voyage available that are presented in identical Koa wood frames and mat (LU117324682022, LU117324684052, LU117324684062). They would make a wonderful grouping for a display of 2, 3 or 4 prints. A discount is available for a grouping depending on the number of items included. Hawaii was discovered by Captain Cook (1728-1779) during this voyage. Hawaii was originally called The Sandwich Islands in honor of The Earl of Sandwich...

"The Reception of Capt. Cook in Hapaee" is an original 18th century engraving from a drawing by John Webber (1751-1793), who was the artist who accompanied Captain Cook on his third ...

"A Representation of the Surrender of the Island of Otaheite to Capt.n Wallis, by the Supposed Queen of Oberea" is an original 18th century engraving created by Sparrow, from a drawi...

This antique engraving with the caption "Habitations and People of the Island of Atooi," which is an old name for Kauai, part of the Hawaiian Islands. The engraving is captioned to have been engraved for "Bankes's New System of Geography Published by Royal Authority." The scene is rich with cultural and ethnographic details. It shows several indigenous Hawaiian people engaged in various activities in front of thatched houses...

Antique print titled 'Gezicht van het Eiland Tanna'. This print depicts a view of Tanna Island, Vanuatu. Originates from 'Reizen rondom de Waereld' by J. Cook. Translated by J.D. Pas...

First Contact in Owhyhee: Webber's 1785 Engraving of Hawaii Description: This captivating print, titled "Vue prise à Owhyhee et entrevue avec les naturels," offers a glimpse into a ...

Antique print titled 'Gezigt van 2 der Ladrones Eilanden' and 'Gezigt van de N.W. zyde van Saypan'. Coastal views of the Ladrones Islands and the island of Saipan. This print origina...