11440 Captain James Cook (1728-1779) – View of a Fortified Village in New Zealand – Engraving (1774)
"Village fortifie bati sur un Rocher troue de la Nouvelle Zelande." This engraving depicts a fortified Maori village, or pa, constructed atop a natural arched rock formation along the coast of New Zealand. In the foreground, two traditional Maori canoes, or waka, are shown on the water, one carrying a large group of rowers and the other with a smaller crew. The scene provides a detailed record of indigenous architecture and maritime culture as observed during the first voyage of the HMS Endeavour. This print was published in the French edition of the official account of the voyages, printed in Paris by Saillant and Nyon. It serves as an essential ethnographic and topographical document from the era of Pacific exploration, capturing the unique defensive strategies and coastal lifestyle of the Maori people.
Captain James Cook was a British naval officer, cartographer, and explorer who achieved international fame for his three voyages of discovery to the Pacific Ocean. He was renowned for his application of scientific methods to navigation and for his dedication to accurate coastal surveying and ethnographic documentation under challenging conditions. His first voyage aimed to observe the transit of Venus and to search for the hypothesized southern continent, leading to the detailed charting of New Zealand and the eastern coast of Australia. Cook’s contributions revolutionized European understanding of global geography and established a legacy of rigorous maritime exploration and cultural observation.
Artist or Maker: Captain James Cook.
Dimensions: Approximately 26 cm x 20 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: 1774.
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 300 - 400 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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