1785 The Death of Captain Cook

1785 The Death of Captain Cook

         This is a superb reproduction of the original antique copperplate engraving of “The Death of Captain Cook” published by Strahan & Cadell, London as an addendum to the folio accompanying the official admiralty addition of A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean… for making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere in 1785. This image was taken from an original painting by John Webber, the official artist on Cook’s third and final voyage. Indeed, he is known to have completed at least two versions, the first in watercolours and the second in oils. Francesco Bartolozzi was responsible for the figures in the engraving and William Byrne produced the landscape. The delicate rendering of the engraving coupled with the command of composition make this a magnificent historical document depicting the Death of Captain James Cook at the hands of the Hawaiians on February 14, 1779.

         The official British Admiralty editions of Cook’s Voyages were published over an eleven year span, and sold by subscription to a privileged and appreciative public. The quality of this publication was unsurpassed, and the plates included represent the finest of 18th century engraving. Subsequent translations of Cook’s Voyages were published in various European languages, however, none were to match the original English edition in quality and artistic excellence. The production of the plates was overseen by Francesco Bartolozzi, the acknowledged master of 18th century stipple engraving and personal favorite of George III of England.

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What is a Mirrored Print & Gallery Wrap?

Canvas for Gallery Wrap

Take a good look at your print. The edges are mirrored, so that, the complete image is shown on the face of the frame once it is wrapped. In other words, You don’t lose any of the artwork. Our 2½” mirrored borders, allow your finished product to have a variety of thickness up to 2” deep. Therefore, make sure you choose an experienced framer who can make the frame to the exact specs of your custom print.

Hand-made Rattan Frames

Though the design has changed over the years, we commission these Rattan frames through a small family owned company in The Philippines. Your frame is the result of trial and error of the last 20 years! Rattan is a vine-like Palm that requires forest cover in order to thrive. Rattan grows throughout the jungle for over a quarter of a mile. Its trunk can span a diameter of over two inches down to the thickness of a human hair. The harvester’s collection process is performed by hand by a simple machete. Ultimately, the rattan vine cannot survive without the forest. Rattan quickly regenerates. As a result, this method of harvesting protects the destruction of the forest.

1785 The Death of Captain Cook

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