Antique Print of The Kerguelen Islands or the Desolation Islands by Cook, 1803

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Antique Print of The Kerguelen Islands or the Desolation Islands by Cook, 1803

About the Item

Antique print titled 'Gezigt van Kersmis Haven, aan Kerguelens Land'. This print originates from 'Reizen rondom de Waereld' by J. Cook. Translated by J.D. Pasteur. Published by Honkoop, Allart en Van Cleef. The image is a historical engraving depicting Captain Cook's ships at Christmas Harbor in the Kerguelen Islands. The Kerguelen Islands, also known as the Desolation Islands, are one of the most isolated places on Earth, located in the southern Indian Ocean. The engraving shows a detailed and busy scene. In the foreground, there are several penguins on the shore, with one figure, possibly a sailor, approaching them with a spear. The attention to detail in depicting the penguins suggests a naturalist's interest in the wildlife of the region. In the middle ground, we see several ships anchored in the bay, with smaller boats navigating the waters between the shore and the ships. The ships are depicted with the intricate rigging and sails that were characteristic of the 18th-century sailing vessels. In the background, the rough and mountainous terrain of the Kerguelen Islands rises dramatically, with cloud-filled skies suggesting the challenging weather conditions of the region. The islands' barren and rocky landscape is well rendered, emphasizing their nickname, the Desolation Islands. The caption in Dutch, "GEZIGT VAN KERSMIS HAVEN, AAN KERGUELEN'S LAND," translates to "View of Christmas Harbor, on Kerguelen's Land," confirming the location and subject of the engraving. Captain James Cook's voyages were instrumental in mapping previously uncharted areas of the world, and his contributions to cartography and exploration were significant. This engraving likely served to document his journey and the places he visited, bringing back visual records to Europe where such distant lands were largely unknown and capturing the imagination of the public with these exotic locales. Cook's skill as a navigator, cartographer, and leader is well-documented, and this image is a testament to the extensive explorations he conducted.

Creator:
J. Cook (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 10.63 in (27 cm)Width: 18.31 in (46.5 cm)Depth: 0.02 in (0.5 mm)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper
Place of Origin:
Netherlands
Period:
Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1803
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. General age-related toning and some wear. Tiny pinholes in the top, outside the image. Please study images carefully.
Seller Location:
Langweer, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: BG-11487-1001stDibs: LU3054313426661