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A fine copy of the second state of Cook's famous portrait after Nathaniel Dance, beautifully engraved by J. K. Sherwin.
This second state was published in London on August 1, 1784, following the original of April 20, 1779.
The portrait shows a finely executed 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.
The portrait was painted by Nathaniel Dance in May 1776, prior to Cook's departure on his final voyage.
Nathaniel Dance was one of the leading portrait painters of the period. David Samwell, who served with Cook as ship's surgeon on the Discovery, stated "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."
The vast majority of busts and statues that were executed after Cook's death, and are based upon Dance's Portrait.
