11036 John Hawkesworth (1715–1773) – War Canoe of New Zealand – engraving (1774)
This engraving depicts a large New Zealand war canoe, or waka taua, manned by a numerous crew of Maori warriors. The vessel is shown in profile against a coastal landscape with distant hills, highlighting its long, narrow hull and the highly decorative, upright carvings at the bow and stern. This work was published as part of the official account of the voyages of discovery in the Southern Hemisphere, compiled by John Hawkesworth. The illustration served as an important ethnographic record for European audiences, documenting the sophisticated maritime engineering and artistic traditions of the Maori people as observed during the first voyage of Captain James Cook.
John Hawkesworth was an influential English writer and editor who was commissioned by the Admiralty to compile and refine the official narratives of the Pacific voyages of Captain Byron, Captain Wallis, Captain Carteret, and Captain Cook. His multi-volume work, An Account of the Voyages undertaken by the order of His Present Majesty for making Discoveries in the Southern Hemisphere, became a massive commercial success and a foundational text in the history of exploration. While Hawkesworth provided the literary structure, the accompanying engravings were based on sketches by artists who accompanied the expeditions, such as Sydney Parkinson. His contributions were essential in shaping the European imagination regarding the South Seas and the cultures of Oceania during the late eighteenth century.
Artist or Maker: John Hawkesworth and Robert Bénard.
Dimensions: Approximately 26 cm x 42 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.
| Värdering | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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