1784 The Reception of Captain Cook, in Hapaee

1784 The Reception of Captain Cook, in Hapaee

         This superb reproduction of the original antique copperplate engraved “The Reception of Captain Cook, in Hapaee” was published by Strahan and Cadell, London circa 1784. This image was taken from actual field drawings by John Webber, the official artist of Cook’s third and final voyage of discovery. Engraved by Heath, this image was captured in July 1777 after Cook arrived in Tonga. As the official account states: “Presently after a number of men entered the Circle or Area before us, armed with Clubs made of the green branches of the Cocoanut tree, these paraded about for a few minutes and then retired the one half to one side and the other half to the other, and seated themselves before the spectators: but soon after went to single Combat, one or two stepping forward from the one side and challenging those on the other which was done more by actions than words; if the Challenge was expected, which was generally the case, each put himself in  a proper attitude and began to engage and continued till one or the other gave out or their weapons were broke….there were Wrestling and Boxing matches; the first were performed in the same m[an]ner as at Otahiete, and the second very little different from the method practiced in England.”

         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.

1784 The Reception of Captain Cook, in Hapaee

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