The Death of Captn. James Cook, ca 1785 / after John Webber; John F. Elphinstone

V/342

fonds

ca 1785

Graphic Materials, Drawings

9623535

1 drawing - engraving with contemporary calligraphy in ink, laid down on card - 49 x 39 cm

Known as ‘Christmas Pieces’ they were popular during the eighteenth and nineteenth century, they were published and printed with historical engravings around the perimeter, a large central engraving at the top, and a blank space in the centre for a child or young person to write some lines of verse, the whole to be given as a Christmas present.

Source: Library correspondence file.

Printed and published by J. Farrell, No. 7 Paternoster Row, Cheapside, London

An engraving with contemporary calligraphy in ink, laid down on card. The engravings decorating this broadside are derivative views, based on original drawings by John Webber from Cook’s third voyage. The main image shows the death of Cook in Hawaii and the six images lining the sides depict indigenous men and women from Hawaii, Tonga and Tahiti. At the bottom is an image of two marines firing their muskets at three walruses. Taking up the blank space in the centre are ten lines of verse written in 1785 in beautiful copperplate with artistic flourishes by John F. Elphinstone.

Out of copyright: Creator died before 1955
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

The death of Captain James Cook