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C1784
The Inside of a House in Nootka Sound.
Artist:
Rare engraving from the official British Admiralty sanctioned edition of the accounts of Cook’s third and final voyage. Cook anchored in Resolution (Ship) Cove (Bligh Island), Hope Bay (Nootka Sound) and made much needed repairs to the ships. Webber recorded … Read Full Description
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Details
Full Title:
The Inside of a House in Nootka Sound.
Date:
C1784
Artist:
Condition:
In good condition
Technique:
Copper engraving.
Image Size:
405mm
x 265mm
AUTHENTICITY
Genuine antique
dated:
1784
Description:
Rare engraving from the official British Admiralty sanctioned edition of the accounts of Cook’s third and final voyage.
Cook anchored in Resolution (Ship) Cove (Bligh Island), Hope Bay (Nootka Sound) and made much needed repairs to the ships. Webber recorded the dwellings and peoples during the stay. It is possible that the houses depicted belong to the village of Yuquot, which Cook visited with Webber on 22 April 1778.
‘After having made a general view of their habitations, I sought for an inside, which might furnish me with sufficient matter to convey a perfect idea of the mode in which these people live. Such was soon found. While I was employed, a man approached me with a large knife in his hand, seemingly displeased, when he observed that my eyes were fixed on two representations of human figures, which were placed at one end of the apartment, carved on planks, of a gigantic proportion, and painted after their custom . However, I took as little notice of him as possible, and proceeded to prevent which, he soon provided himself with a mat, and placed it in such a manner as to hinder my having any longer a sight of them. Being pretty certain that I could have no future opportunity to finish my drawing, and the object being too interesting to be omitted, I considered that a little bribery might probably have some effect. Accordingly, I made an offer of a button from my coat, which, being of metal, I thought they would be pleased with. This, instantly, produced the desired effect. For the mat was removed, and I was left at liberty to proceed as before. Scarcely had I seated myself, and made a beginning, when he returned and renewed his former practice, continuing it til l I had parted with every single button and when he saw that he had completely stripped me, I met with no farther obstruction’.
‘their houses or dwellings are situated close to the shore. They consist in a long range of buildings, some of which are one hundred and fifty feet in length, twenty or thirty broad and seven or eight high from the floor to the roof, which in them all is flat and covered with loose boards. Cook Journals III, 1, 306 & 317.
Beddie 1743-42, p.341, Joppien 3.202A, ill.p.445
From Cook & King, A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean Undertaken by the Command of His Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere.
John Webber (1752 - 1793)
John Webber was an 18th century artist, best known for his work as the official artist on Captain James Cook's third and final voyage to the Pacific in 1776-1780. He was born in London, England in 1751 and was trained as an artist. Webber accompanied Cook on his voyage as the official artist, tasked with creating drawings and paintings of the places and people they encountered. He produced many illustrations and sketches that were used to make engravings for inclusion in the official account of the voyage, published after Cook's death. Webber was required to "give a more perfect idea thereof than can be formed by written description." Webber's illustrations and engravings of the Pacific islands and their inhabitants are considered some of the most accurate and detailed depictions of the region from that time. They provide an important record of the places and people encountered by Cook and his crew, and are valuable for understanding the culture and daily life of the people of the Pacific during the 18th century. He died in London in 1793, after having returned from the voyage, but his work continues to be recognised as an important historical record of the voyage and of the art of his time. Webber's oeuvre from the voyage was the most comprehensive record of sights in the Pacific region ever produced.
