Captain James Cook

London: J. K. Sherwin, 1784. A fine, crisp impression. A fine copy of the second issue of Cook's famous portrait after Nathaniel Dance, beautifully engraved by J. K. Sherwin. This impression was published in London 1st August 1784, (the 1st was published April 20th 1779). This portrait was issued in 1784, at a time when portraits of Cook were in tremendous demand. Crisp dark three-quarter image of Cook seated with a map of the Southern Ocean on his knee, resting against the table, with "New Holland" barely legible on the map. This famous portrait of Cook was painted by Dance in May 1776, prior to Cook's departure on his 3rd & final voyage. The artist was one of the leading portrait painters of the day. It was said by David Samwell (1751-98) fellow voyager with Cook and ship's surgeon on the Discovery, that "It ... is a most excellent Likeness to Capt. Cook; and more to be valued, as it is the only one I have seen that bears any resemblance to him." Most of the busts and statues that were executed after Cook's death were, apparently, founded on Dance's Portrait. An important image. Engraved by J.K. Sherwin, No. 28, St. James's Street & and W. Hinton Sweetings Alley Royal Exchange. Beddie 3384; see Nan Kivell p.73 #9 for 1st impression. Image size measured within ruled frame lines 9 1/4 x 11 5/8"; impression mark 10 1/8 x 11 3/4", with a minimum of 3/4" borders outside the plate mark.