A Canoe of the Sandwich Islands, the Rowers Masked 1784 （CC09)

1784 A Canoe of the Sandwich Islands, the Rowers Masked
This superb reproduction of the original antique copperplate engraved “A Canoe of the Sandwich Islands, the Rowers Masked” 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 C. Grignion, this image was captured during Cook’s historic visit to the Hawaiian islands during 1779. This famous image shows Hawaiian rowers transporting a priest who is carrying a feather-covered image of Kukailimoku, the Hawaiian god of war. The men in this small double canoe were probably guardians of Ku, the Hawaiian war god and their attire is associated with his worship; one man bears a feather god. Kealakekua (Ka’Awaloa) Bay with Kowrow, the village where Cook was killed, is directly behind the rowers.
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.