HMS 'Resolution' and 'Discovery' in Tahiti

Image credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

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Notes

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The painting refers to James Cook’s voyage to Tahiti in 1778. In the background the island’s mountains rise into a clouded sky. The bay stretches into the picture space from the left leaving part of the foreground to the depiction of the shore. In the middle ground to the left HMS ‘Resolution’ and ‘Discovery’ are at anchor, dominating the calm waters. Islanders and Europeans can be seen on boats and among the houses and palm trees exchanging goods.

The unknown artist is working in the style of John Cleveley the Younger, who had capitalized on the artistic opportunities presented by a ready market for South Seas images. See BHC1838 and BHC1896.

National Maritime Museum

London

Title

HMS 'Resolution' and 'Discovery' in Tahiti

Date

1770–1790

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 45.7 x W 58.4 cm

Accession number

BHC1939

Work type

Painting

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