An Opossum of Van Diemen's Land.

Rare engraving from the official British Admiralty sanctioned edition of the accounts of Cook’s third and final voyage.

This is the first printed image of an Australian possum made at Adventure Bay. Webber had completed a small group of bird drawings, and one of an opossum both of which had been shot and taken aboard.

References: Beddie 1743-8, p.339, Joppien Plate 16, ill.p.16 (watercolour for the engraving)

From Cook & King, A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean Undertaken by the Command of His Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere….